8 Signs Your Relationship Is Getting Deeper & More Serious

These days, not everyone is too hot on giving their relationship labels, and the stages of courtship aren't as clearly defined as they once were. Nowadays, many people nonexclusively "hang out" and perhaps have sex with several different people at the same time, floating somewhere in the space between "just talking" and "dating." Even when exclusivity is in the picture, sometimes people are still "keeping it casual." Someone can say they "want to be with you" all the time, but that's not exactly the same as someone saying they're committed to you, right?

Beyond this general framework, most of the other details are specific to the individuals involved in the relationship. If you're not sure where you stand with your partner, you should just ask! Meantime though, here are what relationship experts say are usually some of the clearest signs that your relationship is getting serious and that your connection is getting deeper:

"They text you back; they make and keep plans; so do you," Melamed adds. "Attendance is mandatory in a serious relationship—you need to show up every damn day. This is the first glimpse of that commitment." (Not that you need to hang out every day—but whether or not you're going to be spending time together soon is not up for debate or based on whether your schedule permits. You're going to make the time.) 

"Most of us are extra polite, accommodating, and flexible in the early stages of a relationship," she explains. "When you finally feel comfortable enough to let your partner see your not-so-nice side, you are expressing a desire to be truly known and accepted for who you really are. This is a sign that you would like to develop a deeper connection with your partner."

"Slipping into a comfortable rhythm, routine, or pattern of behavior with your partner is a sign of deeper connection. When you intentionally form habits with another person, it indicates that you are open to moving forward together," Cullins says.

"Some couples have tremendous sexual chemistry from the start while others have to slowly develop an understanding of each other's sexual tempo. As you become more in tune with your partner in other areas of the relationship, intimacy and sexual experiences can also take on a new meaning for both of you," Cullins explains. 

Melamed adds that spending a lot of time with each other's close friends can also say a lot about the strength and promise of your relationship. "These people know your name and who you are in [your partner's] life," she says. "This person is showing and sharing their world with you—which is a pretty good indication they would like to bring you into it."

"You each take the time to figure out what makes the other happy, and you are happy to do those things. Caring for each other feels less scary or anxiety-provoking when you want to invest in something more long term," Melamed says.

"Serious relationships are both sturdy and resilient," Cullins says. "They can endure petty disagreements, hard conversations, change, and some forms of outside interference. Even when you become mad, confused, and frustrated by your partner, you discover there is a mutual desire to continue working toward understanding and togetherness."

Seriously—if you're wondering whether your relationship is serious or not, just have the conversation. If your partner is reluctant to talk about it, you have your answer. But if you two are on the same page, the conversation will flow easily.