What Does It Mean to Be in an Exclusive Relationship?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Exclusivity Changes Your RelationshipAre You Ready to Be Exclusive?Making the Transition to Exclusivity

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How Exclusivity Changes Your Relationship

Are You Ready to Be Exclusive?

Making the Transition to Exclusivity

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If you’re seeing someone casually and things aregoing well, the thought of being exclusive with them may cross your mind. An exclusive relationship is where both partners agree to focus on each other and not see other people.

“An exclusive relationship is typically the natural progression on the path to a more committed, monogamous relationship,” saysSabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University, New York City.

An exclusive relationship with your partner is often the next step after seeing someone casually. If you like them and think you may have a future with them someday, it can give you an opportunity to explore how you feel about them, without taking on a major commitment. Moreover,not knowing where you standwith your partner can be stressful, so being exclusive can offer you comfort and deepen yoursense of intimacywith them.

Being exclusive with your partner can alter the dynamics of your relationship and also have an impact on your mental health. Let’s explore some of the implications of exclusivity below.

Implications on the Relationship

The exclusivity label often serves as a test drive for relationships as people try out this deeper level of commitment and get to know their partner in this new role.

Being exclusive can be a trial period in which you and your partner can test and determine whether you can manage and enjoy this progression in your relationship. It allows you the opportunity to make a commitment without taking on more serious labels and all the expectations and changes that might come with them.

This level of commitment is likely to lead to a sense of comfort and an increased sense of safety for you and your partner. As a result, the relationship often gains more depth. For example, once your partner makes a commitment to the relationship, you mightmake more self-disclosures, which in turn deepens trust and has a cyclical effect.

Impact on Your Mental Health

Many people experience a feeling of comfort and relief during this stage of the relationship because it moves out of the territory where they are constantly questioning their role in their partner’s life and having doubts about where they stand.

Removing these doubts can free up space to get to know the other person better and also allow you to reveal more of yourself without the threat ofabandonmentlooming overhead.

7 Surprising Ways to Make Your Relationship Even Better

Here are some signs that can indicate you’re ready to be in an exclusive relationship with your partner, as well as some signs that you’re not ready yet.

Signs You’re Ready for an Exclusive Relationship

Signs You’re Not Ready for an Exclusive Relationship

Sabrina Romanoff, PsyDA major sign that you are not ready for an exclusive relationship is that you cannot envision yourself being with this person long-term.

Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD

A major sign that you are not ready for an exclusive relationship is that you cannot envision yourself being with this person long-term.

13 Red Flags in Relationships

If you think you’re ready to commit to exclusivity, Romanoff shares some tips that can help you broach the subject with your partner:

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