Contributed by: Jet on Monday, June 25 2012 @ 09:14 am
Last modified on
It’s not a surprise to anyone that people join online dating sites for different reasons. Indeed, everyone in the dating pool is there due to their own unique circumstance, with their own unique experiences. Though the fact may be obvious, rarely do we think about its ramifications, its impact upon our potential relationships. For example, when starting a new relationship, exactly how quickly should it progress into something serious, without “moving too fast”?
The answer is simply, “as quickly as both members of the couple are comfortable.” Consider someone who’s never been in a serious relationship, or maybe never a physically intimate one. They might have added reservations - or they might not. Many factors can influence the psychology of someone beginning a new relationship: the circumstances of the end of their last relationship, how recently they were involved with someone else, their general level of experience, their social or religious expectations.
Then remember that no one exists in a bubble; they’re certainly affected by their new partner, too. Maybe they’ve never been so physically attracted, and want to move more quickly. Maybe they’ve never felt such strong emotions, and they want to slow down and enjoy them. Some couples will instantly click, fall “madly in love” and get married within months or even weeks. Of course, some of those relationships burn out just as quickly, too, but others endure.
The validity or strength of a relationship isn’t dependent on how quickly you get to “the finish line,” whatever that may be for you. There’s nothing wrong with taking things slowly; there’s also nothing wrong with getting physical the first night. Each couple is comprised of two unique individuals, and together you forge your own story, your own timeline.
So as you begin your next relationship, don’t worry about outside opinion or your own expectations. Are you and your partner happy and comfortable? If you are, then relax, and enjoy watching your story unfold.