Five Signs He Wants To Date You Exclusively
Being in a new relationship can entail confusion for many people, and navigating first dates and new conversations with someone you don’t know very well can be stressful. You may date more than one person when dating, as long as you haven’t mutually agreed to be exclusive. Dating one person exclusively can bring about a whole new wave of confusion and add another layer to the feeling of stress while dating.
The good news is you can often discover clues that a man wants to date you exclusively by looking for these five signs in his behavior.
1. Watch his body language
If you are searching for signs that your boyfriend wants to date you exclusively, chances are he has not come out and said this directly to you. Nonverbal cues such as body language can be a great indicator to get you the answers you seek.
The first thing you can look out for is eye contact. Is he intently paying attention to you when you speak or while he is speaking to you? Studies on human behavior have shown that people who engage in constant eye contact during social interaction are interested in the person they are talking to. If you have a sneaking suspicion he wants to be exclusive with you and his eyes are set on you, you might be able to assume you are correct.
The position of his feet could also tell a story when you are standing or sitting across from one another, so you might pay attention to which way his feet are pointing. According to experts, when a person engages with someone they are interested in, their feet will point towards the other person. Alternatively, if they are not interested or forcing themselves to interact with the person, their feet often point away. This nonverbal cue is one of the signs to look for indicating he might want to date you exclusively.
Body language is an art that is not always easily learned. The strategies you use to determine the answers to your question are not set in stone. You could misinterpret something, and individual behavior varies, so it may not be beneficial to rely on this alone. However, if you combine this approach with several other indicators, it can help you to get a better idea of whether he is interested in moving to the next level with you.
2. He’s only talking to you
A man who is ready to date someone exclusively won’t find interest in other potential dates. An obvious lack of interest in other dating partners is something you can look for to help you answer your question, "Does he want to date me?"
Especially if the guy you are dating is normally a flirt, you might be able to easily spot this sign. For example, if he shows signs that he wants to date you exclusively, you might see him step back from engaging in flirty talk with others. This is because he will now have his sights set on you and he isn’t interested in entertaining other options. It can be easier to decide if this applies to your love interest if you have taken the time to get to know him first. Some men are naturally chatty people, and what comes across as flirting to you could be unintentional on his side. The main thing you are looking for here is a shift in interaction with other potential dates versus what you have seen in the past. Even a minor change in this can mean a lot for the relationship.
If your crush still seems open to other people, that doesn’t mean he isn’t interested in you. Some guys refrain from asking a crush to go exclusive for fear of rejection or failure. If you have a hunch that he wants to do more than go on casual dates, don’t base your decision solely on who he does or doesn’t talk to. Looking at this sign can be fun to analyze if you’re curious, but it isn’t foolproof.
3. He makes time for you
A man who wants to establish an exclusive relationship with you will often make time for you. If you notice he is clearing time in his schedule to be with you, it may be one of the signs he wants to date you exclusively.
Making time to spend with you is especially telling if you see him bailing on plans with other friends or declining invitations in favor of spending more time with you. On the other hand, a guy who frequently doesn’t call or doesn’t show up to the plans you made together probably isn’t interested. Most people make time for what they prioritize.
On the other hand, starting a relationship with a new partner is exciting. Amidst all this excitement, it can be tempting to thwart everything in your life in favor of spending as much time as possible with your new love interest. You might be tempted to forego plans with friends or family so that you can clear more time in your schedule, and he might do the same. While this is one of the more charming signs he wants to date you exclusively, it may not be helpful to continue this for too long because everyone needs a full, enriched life of interactions with different people.
It often is beneficial for a relationship in the long run to resist the urge to spend all your time together. Not only will you enjoy some time outside the relationship, but you will also learn how to be apart comfortably. This way, when you decide to go exclusive, you won’t be dependent on one another for happiness or safety. The boundaries and rules that you establish while you are dating can set the pace for your entire relationship.
4. He is reliable
A guy who wants to date you exclusively will typically be reliable. If you are in a time of need, he may be the first one you call and the first one to show up to help you.
One of the signs he wants to date you exclusively could be that he becomes someone you come to depend on, and you can relax knowing he is there for you, no matter what. In addition, a reliable partner likely won’t ask for anything in return when helping and delights in being at your side during difficult times. If you find someone willing to be there for you when you need it, it is often a good sign that pursuing the relationship is worthwhile.
5. He wants you to meet his friends and family
One of the telltale signs a man wants to date you exclusively is when he brings you around his friends and family. A guy who wants to date you exclusively may want you to meet the people he’s closest to and want you to meet them. He might also want to know that his friends approve of the relationship before making his next move. If he invites you over to hang out with him and his friends, you might be able to conclude he is considering dating you exclusively. Including you in his social circle is one of the first steps a man often takes in evaluating a possible exclusive relationship with someone he is dating.
However, many people are scared or nervous to meet their crush’s home team for fear they might do something to harm the relationship. When meeting your date’s close friends, a helpful approach is to be yourself and be genuine. If you attempt to put up a front, his friends are likely to notice, and he may wonder why you aren’t comfortable being yourself. If you have gotten this far, you should know he appreciates your personality. By staying true to yourself, you are more likely to move the relationship forward.
What to do if dating gets overwhelming
The ins and outs of transitioning a relationship from casual dating to exclusively dating one person can be confusing and stressful. The signs mentioned here can be helpful indicators of how a relationship is progressing. Still, open and honest communication about what you want in a relationship can be helpful in determining where the situation is headed. If you are experiencing a great deal of stress resulting from dating, consider reaching out for help from a relationship expert.
The stress of dating and figuring out the other person’s feelings and intentions can cause some people to feel anxious or depressed, and talking to an online counselor often helps clarify and bring relief. Multiple research studies have found that online therapy is as effective for many people as seeing a counselor in person. In addition, online counseling is highly convenient and gives you the option of talking to someone by video chat, phone calls, or text. The counselors and therapists at Regain can help guide you through the confusion of dating and going exclusive.
Takeaway
When a man is interested in dating one person exclusively, his intentions are often visible through his behavior. For example, he might look at you more intently, avoid talking to other potential dates, and want you to meet his friends. Nonetheless, some people benefit from talking to a relationship expert as they navigate from casual dating to going exclusive, and online counseling is a convenient option for getting guidance along the way.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
How do you tell if he wants to be exclusive?
Signs that someone you are dating wants to be exclusive include telling others about you, introducing you to friends and family, no longer using dating apps, posting pictures with you on social media, and showing interest in your opinions. It’s a good sign if someone you see talks about the future, as it indicates they are thinking long term and picture you as a part of their life.
How many dates before you are exclusive?
There is no definitive amount of date that marks the transition into exclusivity. Some individuals might feel ready to become exclusive after three or four dates, while for others, it may take ten or more to make that shift. Many sources state that the number of dates is less important than the amount of time spent together and the communication between dates. What is most important is to assess the emotional connection and how you would feel about the person you’re seeing dating other people. If this thought is upsetting to you, it may be time to talk about defining the relationship.
How do you know if he wants to date you?
He might tell you upfront he’s tired of casual dating and are interested in something more serious.
How long does it take a guy to know he wants to date you?
It looks different for each individual. Some sources claim it takes someone ten dates to know for sure they want someone as a long-term partner, the 10 date rule. However, some individuals know more quickly that they want something more serious.
How do you tell if a guy wants a relationship or just a hookup?
Signs indicating someone is probably interested in a hookup include not showing any intention of having you meet friends and family, inviting you to come over late at night instead of asking you on a real date at normal times of day, and avoiding questions about defining the relationship.
On the other hand, someone who wants a more serious relationship with you is more likely to be open about their emotions, to be intentional about seeing you, and maintaining communication. Making plans for the future is also a sign a man is thinking long-term.
If you are unsure of the intentions of someone you are seeing, it is better to ask upfront. Having an open discussion early on can avoid hurt feelings down the road if you turn out not to be on the same page with what you are seeking.
How do you tell if he likes you or wants a fling?
In our modern dating world, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if an individual is seeking a long-term connection or a more casual fling. If the person you’re interested in talks openly with you, is intentionally learningmore about you, wants to spend time with you in public, and introduces you to his friends and family, it is likely indicative he sees you as more than a fling.
What is the 3 date rule?
The “3 date rule” says individuals should wait until at least the third date to have sex. It is based on the idea that someone who sleeps with their date too soon will be seen as “too loose” and more of a one-night stand than a long-term partner. However, there is no particular evidence supporting the three-date rule.
Instead of abiding by this arbitrary and outdated rule, you can have an open discussion with a new partner about what you are comfortable with regarding sexual intimacy. Whether it is having sex before the third date or waiting longer, what is most important is both people feeling comfortable and respected.
What is the 10-date rule?
The “10 date rule” states that it takes an individual ten dates to see someone as a potential long-term partner. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the ten-date rule as it may take an individual less or more time to develop strong feelings for someone and decide whether they’d like to have them in their life for the long run.
When should you talk about exclusivity?
There is no set time for discussing exclusivity with a new partner. If the thought of someone you are dating seeing other people doesn’t feel good to you, it might be time to have a discussion to define the relationship. An article featuring a relationship expert reveals that having a conversation about exclusivity can help you determine if you are on the same page with what you are looking for.
It is okay to discuss your desires for exclusivity and recognize that the person you’re dating may be moving at a different pace. Overall, each person knowing where the relationship stands removes the guessing and confusion and can avoid hurt feelings down the road.
How do you know he wants you to be his partner?
The person you are seeing likely views you as a potential long-term partner if they maintain consistent communication, spend time with you, show interest in learning more about you, talk openly about their emotions, and discuss plans for the future.
People who are serious about dating someone are not interested in playing games and will be upfront about their intentions. If this person hasn’t asked you upfront to be exclusive, it may be time to have a conversation to assess where you both are and where the relationship is headed.
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