If you’re looking to settle down with someone special, dating can feel like one long interview process. But short of asking your date directly if they want to get married, how do you determine whether he or she is worth investing your time and effort into?
When getting to know someone new, it’s important to look out for the signals that your partner may be marriage material – or that they might not be cut out for family life. To make finding Mr or Miss Right a simpler task, here are a few clues and hints to look out for.
Show some respect
Flirting can give you major feel good factor, and a little sexual chemistry can go a long way when making a connection. However, if suggestive comments and crude jokes seem to be the focal point of your conversation, it may be a sign that there is a lack of mutual respect.
We may have moved on since the etiquette of the olden days, but it’s still cool to be a lady or a gent when out on a date – especially if you’re looking for marriage material.
Playing hard to get – within reason
Many of us enjoy a bit of no strings attached fun from time to time. But when looking out for your perfect match, you want to be sure that they are in it for the right reasons. If your new suitor refuses a coffee at yours or a walk home after the date, don’t take it to mean that they are not interested. In fact, playing hard to get can pay dividends for a relationship in the long run.
Good communication
Strong relationships are built on communication. So if you struggle to get a response to your texts or you’re always the one to message first, proceed with caution. On the other hand, if your new squeeze does their share of the leg work when keeping in touch, it’s a good sign that they are interested in more than just a fling.
Family and friends
Loyalty is another key factor of any relationship. But how can you spot this trait on those first few dates whilst getting to know one another? Listen out for clues about their relationships with family and friends. A strong bond to parents, lifelong friends or even pets will show a softer side and a tendency to stick around through the hard times as well as the good.
Bring those wedding bells closer by looking out for these signs that your date is (or isn’t) marriage material from day one. With a little time and patience, you could be one of the many online dating success stories where that nervous first date leads to a long, happy marriage.
Yet to discover the joys of online dating? Start flirting for free – join FreeAndSingle today.