You may be a new sailor in the wide seas of love, or you may be an experienced person that has seen all its ups and downs. No matter which case it is, ask yourself if you are prepared to love and start a relationship.
There are several things that you have to pay attention to – signs that will make it clear to you that it's time to sail. Some of them are related to your potential partner, but most are directly related to your self-confidence. Are you really ready for a relationship? Read on to find the answer.
You Know How to Communicate Like an Adult
If you've been in a relationship before, the chances are that the most difficult thing you had to do was to communicate with your significant other. When you have a history with bad communication, allowing yourself to get close to someone might be quite hard. For this reason, when you believe you are finally able to express your thoughts honestly and clearly, you should start dating once more. Every person has a certain communication style, so when you figure out how to use your style constructively, you are finally able to take the plunge.
You Are Attracted to Someone
You don't look for signs you're ready for a relationship unless you have some dating material in mind. When you are not emotionally prepared to dive into a relationship, you tend to push any new people away from you. You are not quite there yet, which is why you instinctively try to sabotage it.
So, when you want to start a relationship, you are no longer trying to find flaws in that person, and you no longer try to escape once you two get close. You're attracted and want them to stay, which means you want to take the next step and start dating again.
You Got Over Your Last Relationship and Learned From It
One of the main things that keep you from moving forward in a relationship is the fact that you didn't get over your ex. Only when you are truly over with your last relationship will you be able to focus on a new one.
Instinctively, you might be involved in a new relationship too soon, but it doesn't mean it's not the right time. In this relationship, you may tend to compare "the new guy or girl" with your previous partner. When you forgive your old partner and learn something from your previous relationship, that's one sign that you can move on.
You Aren't Afraid of Commitment
"Am I ready to love again?" Then please answer this question first: can you focus all of your attention on just one person? Can you commit, or does the simple thought of it scare you? When you want to become emotionally involved with someone again, you no longer think about all the other "prospects." You won't think about experimenting with various dates. You want to settle down because you see the rest of your life with that one person.
You Don't Want to Date Just Because of Loneliness
Some people simply want to get into a relationship because they are lonely. They do not care who they are dating, as long as they fill that void in their life. This is not the right way to go about it. A relationship is something that you want – not something that you need. At this point, you'll be perfectly content with yourself. You'll want a relationship simply because you want that other person in your life as well. It won't be because you are lonely, but because you are convinced you found your soul mate. That tingly feeling in your gut will tell you that it is the right moment to start a relationship.
You're No Longer Playing the Field
You may think that "playing the field" is the perfect way of finding a relationship, but in truth, this is exactly what may prevent you from emotionally preparing yourself. If you are embarking to sail over the sea of romance, you might want to become the captain of just one ship. Trying to captain more of them may just get you to fall overboard.
When you've reached the point of entering a relationship, you will no longer be searching. Dating multiple people will not sound appealing to you, and you'll be able to place all of your efforts on that one person. No matter if you have met them already or not, it's one of the signs you're ready for a relationship.
You Love Yourself the Most
Some may think that loving someone else more than yourself is a sign that you are prepared to take the dive, but in fact, it is quite the opposite. If you choose to love yourself more than anyone else, it is one of the first signs telling you that it's time.
Before trying to date someone else and showering them with your affection, you first need to get your own love tank full. Date and love yourself first. Once you've reached the point where you actually love and appreciate your own qualities, you will be able to extend that love to someone else.
You Are Smiling More
It might not sound like much, but when you notice yourself smiling more than usual, it might be a sign that you are finally at a good spot in your life, and that you are emotionally prepared to get yourself out there.
Am I ready for a relationship? If the simple thought of seeing that person makes you want to smile, then yes, you should take this as a good sign. When you see that you are smiling more than you are making excuses, judgments, or comments, then you'll know you've reached a point of unconditional self-acceptance – and that you want to extend this to other people as well.
You Are Okay With Being Single
If you find yourself at a point where you are saying you are okay without a relationship, then you are definitely ready for the plunge. You are completely fine without a relationship, but not in a defeated or resigned way. You are simply at peace with everything.
Mostly, this involves the fact that you have a better knowledge of who you are, of your purpose in life. You need love, but you are not desperately pursuing it. You are also not allowing yourself to be sad and miserable during your single life. You are feeling great about yourself, and this tells you that your heart is willing to let other people in as well.
Final Thoughts
You are the only person that knows the answer to the question "am I ready for a relationship?" Still, questioning it is the first good sign. You may or may not be there yet – but when you are, you'll know. One piece of advice would be to slowly dip into the dating pool before diving straight into a relationship. Once you find that inner peace, you will know you can take the relationship road.