You've been dating your man for a while now and things are starting to get a bit more serious. Weekend plans don't need to be put on the calendar because you just know you'll be together, and he knows your exact lunch order from your favorite sandwich place. Things seem to be going well, but there are a few things that make you think things could be going even better... with someone else.
These nine signs clue you in on when it's time to start something with someone new:
1. The regular, please
If you sorta want the cute guy at your local coffee counter to ask for your number, it's time to call it quits with your current boyfriend. Even if you know you wouldn't give out your digits to the dark-haired latte drinker, your heart isn't fully committed in your current relationship if you want someone new to ask you out.
2. But he's really great, honest
Feeling the need to justify your man to friends, family, and coworkers is a huge red flag, but one that is easily missed. Of course you are the one who knows him best, but that doesn't mean that the other people in your life should need you to prove why you guys are still together.
Friends you've known for years should be able to pick up on why he's so wonderful for you without needing you to list the ways. If you catch yourself playing the defense lawyer at family reunions, it's time to date someone who doesn't need your defense.
3. Two-faced time
If you are the fun-loving type with one guy, but can change to be a quiet girl who loves reading in the rain, it's time to set your story straight and date someone who makes you feel like you are you. Of course, relationships help you experience new things, but don't ever pretend to be someone you aren't just to make someone happy. If you feel like you can't really be who you are with the man you are currently with, don't hesitate to break up and date someone who loves you for you.
4. Flip-flopped
Dating someone should bring out the best in you, and challenge you to be better when you show your weaknesses. If that equation is flip-flopped, it's time to break things off. A worthwhile relationship is one where you aren't constantly feeling insecure or causing the person you are with to feel that way. Find a partnership where you both feel like you are the best when you are together and push each other to be better.
5. #Latergram
Not wanting to post your relationship on social media or clue anyone of your friends in on who you've been spending your time with should be a head's up that things aren't working out. Not that posting a couple selfies on every conceivable platform means your relationship is foolproof, but you should want others to know why you are so happy. Not letting anyone know who you are dating usually means there's something to hide...which usually means it's time to let this relationship go.
6. It's just for fun
Dating is serious business unless you are still in middle school. Of course there are times when dating someone who is opposite of someone you thought you'd marry works out to be a fabulous relationship. Other times, dating a man who you wouldn't want to date for longer than a couple of months soon turns into a couple of years and now you feel trapped. Not saying it's going to be easy, but if you don't see this relationship going anywhere you'd like to be in five years, cut the cord and move on and date someone you want to spend forever with.
7. He's a good guy
Conversations with the recently engaged or recently dating should be impossible to shut off. For relationships that are really working, you should be able to talk for hours and hours just gushing about how fantastic your mister is. If conversations with friends about the man in your life sound more like a flippant phrase about a coworker, please realize it's time you get with someone you can't stop talking about.
8. Double tapped heart attack
Once you are in a relationship you truly love, there is no reason to follow old flames on social media. If you are holding out for your ex to double tap your cute selfie, you are not honestly invested in the relationship you are in. You owe it to your partner and to yourself to cut off a relationship that you aren't really committed to and find one that you wouldn't trade for the world.
9. Lonely, but not sad
If you let yourself think about letting this guy go, do you feel heartbroken or do you feel lonely? It's never okay to just date someone so you have someone to text and hang out with after work. Even if you care for your man, dating him so you won't be alone means you need to face your fears and break it off. He deserves to be with someone who isn't just looking for a movie buddy.
