What Constitutes a Relationship

Many women ( and often men too) hit that awkward phase in their series of dates when you have to ask; "are we in a relationship?"

It reminds us of that old phrase, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?" However, there is no wise owl asking the question. You and your "significant other," are asking,

"How many dates until we can be considered, in a relationship?"

Many people may think your relationship status depends on the number of dates the two of you have been on, but most often you will be able to tell when it is appropriate to call your "date" someone you are in a relationship with.

But before you are in an exclusive relationship, many people consider that person someone who they are:

• Seeing
• Dating
• Talking to
• Special friends with

(By the way, what does the phrase "I'm talking to him even mean? You talk to everyone!)

Only after "the talk," can you really call someone your boyfriend or girlfriend. If you don't have "the talk," and then introduce someone as your boyfriend or girlfriend, your special friend may get a little uneasy. Relationships can be scary, especially for those who have had rough break-ups in the past. So take it one step at a time.

You also must take into consideration more than just the persons physical attributes. You can be physically attracted to someone, but that will soon fade if that person has nothing to back up his or her good looks with. Make sure that person has the qualities you want in a person before you even consider a relationship.

If you have "the talk," and the other person is not interested in being classified as being "in a relationship" with you, don't force it. Do you really want to be in a relationship with someone you had to beg? No, it should come naturally. If it doesn't? Let it play out. It may not be meant to be, everything happens for a reason.