So you’ve been dating for three months, congrats! You\u2019ve officially graduated from butterflies and brunch dates to mismatched schedules and \u201cWait, are we exclusive?\u201d convos. This is the moment where fantasy starts fading and reality steps in wearing sweatpants and asking about your credit score. And honestly? That\u2019s not a bad thing. [Read: Dating for Three Months: 25 Signs, Red Flags & BIG Relationship Must-Knows!<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Psychologists say the three-month mark is when the brain’s love cocktail (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin) starts to mellow out, giving way to deeper emotional intimacy and clearer compatibility checks. This is your relationship\u2019s first real test, and it\u2019s where things either level up or fizzle out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcda Source: Acevedo, B.P. & Aron, A., 2009, Does a Long-Term Relationship Kill Romantic Love?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re wondering what this phase means for your love life, we’ve got you covered, from red flags to look out for, signs it’s the real thing, and what to do (and ask) right now to keep the spark alive. Buckle up, lovebird, things are about to get delightfully real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ah, the honeymoon phase, those magical first few months when every kiss feels electric, texts are novels, and their weird laugh? Adorable. But if you\u2019re dating for three months, you might be noticing a shift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The butterflies haven\u2019t vanished, but they\u2019re definitely flying in a more orderly formation. Welcome to the real relationship stage.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Psychologically, the honeymoon phase is fueled by a potent mix of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These neurochemicals create that euphoric \u201ccan\u2019t get enough of you\u201d feeling. But here\u2019s the kicker, your brain can\u2019t keep pumping out that love cocktail forever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Around the three-month mark, those hormone levels begin to level out, giving way to something more grounded: emotional intimacy and genuine compatibility. \ud83d\udcda Source: Fisher et al., 2006, Mate choice and romance<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This doesn\u2019t mean your relationship is doomed, it means it\u2019s evolving. You\u2019re no longer dating the fantasy version of each other. Now, you\u2019re getting to know the real person behind the curated first impressions. You start noticing quirks, habits, and maybe even a few icks. They leave dishes in the sink. You hog the blanket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Suddenly, it\u2019s not all candlelit dinners and good-morning texts, it\u2019s also mismatched schedules, mood swings, and “Do we really need to talk about this now?” moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And this is exactly where many couples either grow closer or start drifting. Why? Because the three-month mark is when emotional masks start slipping off. You\u2019re more relaxed, more vulnerable, and more likely to express needs, boundaries, and frustrations. This is the phase where emotional maturity (or the lack of it) begins to show. [Read: 20 Signs of Emotional Maturity & Traits that Reveal a Mature Mind<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to attachment theory, this is also when your attachment styles start playing a bigger role. If one partner is more anxious and the other avoidant, for example, this is when the push-pull dynamic often kicks in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcda Source: Fraley & Shaver, 2000, Adult Romantic Attachment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n But here\u2019s the good news: if you can navigate this shift with honesty, curiosity, and compassion, you\u2019re laying the groundwork for something deeper than infatuation. This is when real love starts to take root, not the fireworks, but the slow-burning kind that sticks around even when the sparkly filter fades. [Read: Infatuation: The Definition, How to Break Out & 47 Signs You\u2019re Deeply Infatuated<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if things feel a little less \u201cmovie montage\u201d and a bit more \u201creal-life documentary,\u201d don\u2019t panic. You\u2019re not losing the magic, you\u2019re just learning what kind of magic you actually have together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time you\u2019ve been dating for three months, things should feel more real, like you\u2019ve stepped off the emotional rollercoaster of the honeymoon phase and into something more grounded. But \u201creal\u201d doesn\u2019t always mean \u201cright.\u201d This is the perfect time to pause, take stock, and ask: Is this relationship healthy\u2026 or heading for heartbreak?<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 45 Big Relationship Red Flags Most Couples Completely Ignore Early in Love<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the biggest red flags to look out for after dating for three months:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If bringing up topics like exclusivity, emotional needs, or long-term goals makes them change the subject or joke it off, that\u2019s not just immaturity, it\u2019s avoidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At three months, conversations should begin to deepen. Emotional intimacy only grows when both people are willing to talk about the stuff that matters. \ud83d\udcda Source: Fitzsimons & Finkel, 2011, Goals and Interpersonal Relationships<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re the one planning dates, checking in when they’re upset, and putting in 90% of the effort, it\u2019s more than just a one-off imbalance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthy relationship feels mutual, not like a part-time job with no benefits. Emotional availability should be a two-way street, not a solo hike. [Read: 38 Signs & Traits of a Happy, Healthy Relationship & What It Should Look Like<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this stage, you don\u2019t need to be splashed all over their Instagram feed, but if they\u2019re actively hiding you from friends, family, or social media, that\u2019s a neon red flag. A partner who\u2019s serious about you won\u2019t keep you in the shadows. [Read: Low-Key Secret Relationship: What It Is and the Reasons & Signs You\u2019re in One<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some talk about exes is healthy and even helpful, but if they\u2019re constantly trashing their ex or blaming them for everything, it raises two big questions: How do they handle conflict? And are they truly over it? Emotional baggage isn\u2019t your job to unpack. [Read: Emotional Baggage: What It Is, Types, Causes & 27 Steps to Put It Down<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ghosting for a few days without explanation and then popping back in with a \u201cHey :)\u201d is not quirky, it\u2019s disrespectful. This kind of hot-and-cold behavior often signals emotional unavailability or a lack of respect for your time and feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One day they\u2019re all-in, texting like you\u2019re the star of their story. The next, it\u2019s radio silence. Inconsistent communication at this stage can point to emotional instability or mixed intentions, and it\u2019s exhausting to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By now, you\u2019ve likely talked about things like social media, personal space, or how often you like to talk. If they repeatedly cross those lines, even after you\u2019ve voiced your discomfort, they\u2019re showing you they don\u2019t respect your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 23 Secrets to Set Personal Boundaries & Guide Others to Respect Them<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conflict is inevitable, but how someone handles it speaks volumes. If they get defensive over small feedback or avoid apologizing altogether, it\u2019s a sign of emotional immaturity. Real intimacy requires accountability. [Read: Emotional Immaturity: How to Recognize Them & Help Them Grow Up<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, red flags aren\u2019t always dealbreakers, but they are conversation starters. If you notice these signs while dating for three months, don\u2019t ignore them. How your partner reacts when you bring them up will tell you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three months into a relationship might not sound like a milestone on paper, but emotionally and psychologically? It\u2019s a turning point. This is where the infatuation fog lifts, your brain chills out on the dopamine high, and you’re finally seeing each other not just through rose-colored glasses, but in full HD clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: Six Month Relationship Mark: What It Means & Mistakes Couples Make<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n In psychological terms, this phase is where early-stage attachment bonds (Inna Schneiderman et al., 2014, Oxytocin and attachment bonds<\/a>) begin to form more securely, or not. Your brain starts shifting from \u201cIs this exciting?\u201d to \u201cIs this safe, stable, and emotionally fulfilling?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re no longer just reacting to chemistry; you’re evaluating compatibility, communication, and shared values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One major shift that happens around this time is how you handle conflict and vulnerability. Research shows that couples who start expressing emotional needs and honestly navigating disagreements around the three-month mark are more likely to build long-term trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is also when conversations deepen, from \u201cWhat\u2019s your favorite food?\u201d to \u201cWhat does a healthy relationship look like to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might also notice patterns in how the two of you connect, or disconnect. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Are you both making an effort? Are you beginning to talk about the future, even casually? If emotional availability, consistency, and mutual curiosity are present, you\u2019re on a healthy track. But if things start to feel one-sided, avoidant, or overly intense, that\u2019s your cue to reflect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, dating for three months is when your relationship stops being a fantasy and starts becoming a choice. You\u2019re not just feeling it, you\u2019re consciously choosing whether to keep investing. And that decision? It\u2019s where real love begins to take shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for more guides on wading through those first few months? Read these features!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three months might sound like a short time, but in the world of modern dating, where you\u2019ve probably shared playlists, pet photos, and more than a few late-night confessions, it can feel like you\u2019ve known each other forever. So, is it love… or just a well-curated highlight reel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 17 Modern Dating Terms to Help You Master the Evolving Dating Game<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the truth: it can<\/em> be love by now, but it\u2019s not always. And that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Love doesn\u2019t follow a strict calendar, it follows emotional pacing. Some couples experience a deep sense of connection early on, while others warm up gradually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Psychologists call this \u201cemotional attunement,\u201d where your ability to understand and respond to each other\u2019s feelings builds intimacy over time. If you’ve had meaningful conversations, been vulnerable, and navigated a few disagreements already, you’re probably more emotionally connected than most three-month flings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: How to Emotionally Connect with a Man & Find a Deeper Connection<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if your relationship is still all brunch selfies and flirty emojis (with no glimpse of the messy stuff), it might still be in the \u201cidealization\u201d phase, where you’re falling for the idea<\/em> of each other. That\u2019s not love yet, it\u2019s dopamine and hope doing the tango. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcda Source: Fisher et al., 2002, The Neural Mechanisms of Mate Selection <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still wondering if it\u2019s love or just a strong crush? Here are a few signs you’re on the love train:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Love isn\u2019t just butterflies, it\u2019s showing up, listening, and choosing someone even when the high wears off. If your relationship is starting to look like that, it might be the real deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 103 Heartfelt Signs to Know If You Love Someone or Are Falling in Love<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because you\u2019re three months in doesn\u2019t mean you have<\/em> to know yet. In fact, rushing to define it too soon can create unnecessary pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One study on romantic pacing found that couples who took their time to build emotional intimacy reported greater long-term satisfaction. \ud83d\udcda Source: Spielmann et al., 2020, Relationship quality and accuracy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The best kind of love isn\u2019t rushed, it\u2019s revealed. So if you\u2019re not sure yet, take a breath. Keep learning, laughing, and loving at your own pace. If it\u2019s real, it\u2019ll still be there tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: Define the Relationship: 30 Signs It\u2019s Time to DTR & How to Talk About It<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alright, you’ve recognized the honeymoon phase is winding down, but that doesn\u2019t mean the fun stops here. No siree! The three-month mark is your golden opportunity to get comfortable, be your authentic self, and test out how well you both roll with the punches of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s your relaxed, no-stress guide to navigating this stage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The time for constantly impressing each other is phasing out, so go ahead and rock those comfy cotton undies. As if the health benefits of wearing breathable cotton undies weren’t good enough, those sexy thongs just aren’t comfortable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the three-month mark, you can kiss goodbye the days of crafting the “perfect text” or waiting three hours to respond. If the ‘Oxytocin Dip’ taught us anything, it\u2019s that it’s okay to be more relaxed now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoot a text when you feel like it, spontaneity can be refreshing! [Read: Am I Texting Too Much? 16 Signs They Think You\u2019re a Clingy Texter<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s face it, you’ve been on more than enough dates by now to know that you want to commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Congratulations, you\u2019ve moved from the “me and you” to the “us and we” phase! Just as you’re more comfortable showing your real self, you should also be comfortable seeing yourselves as a unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the idea of “us and we,” it\u2019s time for the family cameo. If Role Theory<\/a> can show us that meeting family can change perceptions, let’s make it a sitcom worth watching, shall we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ve shared your family, so you can surely share your circle of friends. Going out without each other demonstrates trust and adds new stories to your growing relationship narrative. [Read: 30 secrets to get your boyfriend’s friends to like you and mistakes to avoid!<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the three-month mark, opting to go makeup-free around your partner can be a powerful statement. It\u2019s not just about skin deep; it’s about vulnerability, a cornerstone of emotional intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being comfortable enough to showcase your natural self can deepen emotional connection, creating a space where both parties feel accepted and loved for who they truly are. [Read: Emotional Connection: 38 Signs, Secrets & Ways to Build a Real Bond<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, we’re not saying spill your credit score. Talking money at the three-month relationship mark isn’t about tabulating assets or becoming account buddies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s more about building a shared sense of financial security and trust. [Read: How to talk about money with your partner without fighting about it<\/a>] <\/p>\n\n\n\n When both of you are transparent about your money attitudes, be it spending, saving, or investing, you set the groundwork for future harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a proactive way to identify potential stress points and work together to align your financial goals, thereby creating a strong foundation for longer-term commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ve reached a point where discussing past relationships shouldn’t rock the boat too much. In fact, talking about your exes at this point is an extension of the ‘Social Exchange Theory<\/a>‘; you’ve invested enough to be candid about your past to benefit your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: Why You Should Talk about Your Exes Early On Instead of Hiding Them<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning a weekend getaway at this stage in the relationship serves as a bit of a litmus test for compatibility during extended periods of time together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: Relationship Compatibility: What It Is, 40 Signs You Have It & Ways to Improve It<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s not just about enjoying a change of scenery, but also about experiencing each other in new environments and situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This extended quality time can be revealing, helping both partners assess how well they actually jive when the daily routine is stripped away. It\u2019s like a mini-crash course in how you both handle relaxation, adventure, and the inevitable unexpected hiccup. [Read: Why traveling is a great test of compatibility<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s assembling a puzzle or cooking a new recipe from scratch, taking on a project together becomes a real-world exercise in collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s not just about dividing tasks; it’s about how you communicate, solve problems, and celebrate the little victories along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These shared experiences serve as a microcosm for how you’ll handle challenges and successes in the broader scope of your relationship. [Read: 65 Couples Activities & Fun Things to Do that\u2019ll Make You Feel Closer Than Ever<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boundaries aren’t just physical, they’re emotional and even digital *yes, think social media<\/a>*. Understanding each other’s boundaries is like applying ‘Self-Determination Theory<\/a>‘ in real life, it helps each of you maintain autonomy within the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your “us and we” doesn’t mean neglecting the “me.” Discussing individual aspirations now is a nod to ‘Goal-Setting Theory<\/a>‘, aligning your personal goals with the relationship’s trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a relationship to work well, both people need to focus on themselves just as much as they focus on their partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 27 secrets to focus on yourself, grow as a person, and create your own sunshine<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharing your embarrassing stories and fears takes vulnerability to a whole new level. It’s more than just airing old anecdotes for laughs; it’s about deepening your emotional connection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you share these intimate aspects of your life, you’re building an emotional safety net, creating a space where both you and your partner can be your most authentic selves. Trust us, this adds new layers of trust and intimacy that go far beyond surface-level attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’re going to disagree sometimes, and that’s fine. Having a safe word to pause heated discussions is like incorporating ‘Conflict Resolution Strategies’ without going all textbook on your relationship. [Read: The First Fight in a Relationship: 25 Things You Need to Do Next<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time you\u2019ve been dating for three months, you\u2019ve probably moved past the highlight reel and into the blooper reel, and that\u2019s a beautiful thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the perfect moment to go deeper, emotionally and intellectually. You\u2019re not interrogating each other; you\u2019re exploring compatibility, values, and emotional needs. These questions aren\u2019t just cute conversation starters, they\u2019re intimacy builders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 80 VERY Good Conversation Starters that\u2019ll Make Anyone Love Talking to You!<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n This question reveals their expectations and ideals. Are they looking for a power couple vibe or a cozy, low-key connection? Understanding their vision helps you align or notice potential disconnects in relationship goals. [Read: Power Couple: 24 Signs & Ways to Be a Perfect Couple Everyone Is Envious Of<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forget sun signs, this is the real compatibility quiz. Whether they shut down, need space, or prefer talking things out immediately, knowing their style helps you navigate future disagreements with more empathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This one taps straight into emotional intelligence. Emotional safety is the foundation of trust and vulnerability, and their answer gives you insight into how they want to be supported, especially during tougher moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 33 Emotional Needs in a Relationship, Signs It\u2019s Unmet & How to Meet Them<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re not asking them to sketch out your shared wedding vision, unless that\u2019s where you both are, but understanding their personal goals helps reveal if your paths naturally align or might eventually diverge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This allows for a more reflective, vulnerable exchange. Whether it\u2019s family dynamics or a past relationship, you\u2019ll gain insight into their emotional blueprint and attachment style. [Read: How to Talk about a Past Relationship & Not Piss Your Partner Off<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translation: What\u2019s your love language? Whether it\u2019s physical affection, words of affirmation, or quality time, this question helps you love them in the way they receive it best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: Words of Affirmation: How to Use It, 56 Signs, Tips & Examples to Say It Right<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one invites them to be curious, vulnerable, and honest. It also opens the door for deeper dialogue, maybe even about topics they were initially nervous to bring up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three months in, it\u2019s not about having all the answers, it\u2019s about asking the right questions. These conversations build trust, uncover values, and deepen emotional intimacy. So pour some wine, get cozy, and start asking away, you might just fall for each other a little more with every answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time you\u2019ve been dating for three months, things start to feel a little more… real. The mystery is fading, the routines are setting in, and the butterflies might be trading places with comfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But comfort doesn’t mean boring, unless you let it. Here’s how to keep the chemistry sizzling and your connection growing stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because you\u2019ve learned their go-to coffee order and the fact that they sleep with one sock on doesn\u2019t mean the discovery phase is over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask deeper questions. Explore new interests together. Research shows that shared novel experiences can reignite dopamine in relationships, yes, the same feel-good chemical that floods your brain during the early “falling in love” stage. \ud83d\udcda Source: Aron et al., 2000, Couples\u2019 shared exciting activities increase relationship quality<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to book a hot air balloon ride to keep the spark alive, though, hey, that sounds fun. Even little surprises like slipping a silly note into their bag, cooking their favorite meal on a weekday, or sending a flirty meme can boost emotional connection. It\u2019s the unexpected joy that keeps love feeling fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sexual and emotional intimacy evolve over time, and what felt electrifying at week two might feel different by month three. That\u2019s normal. What\u2019s not normal? Avoiding the topic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take time to ask what feels good, what\u2019s changed, and what you both want more of. Emotional openness around intimacy is linked to higher relationship satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By now, you might be hanging out more often, but are you truly connecting? Set aside intentional time to be present with each other. No phones. No distractions. Just you two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s a Sunday morning walk or a no-screens dinner, this kind of undivided attention helps deepen emotional intimacy and solidifies your bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three months in, you’re not the same couple you were on date one, and that’s something to celebrate. Talk about how far you\u2019ve come, what you\u2019ve learned about each other, and what you\u2019re excited for next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflecting on progress reinforces emotional safety and reminds you both why this relationship is worth nurturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Read: 18 Signs & Why Something Feels Off in Your Relationship & Doesn\u2019t Feel Right<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line?<\/strong> The spark doesn\u2019t die on its own, it fades when we stop feeding it. Staying curious, emotionally open, and intentional with your time keeps the flame going strong long after the initial high wears off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Emotional intelligence isn\u2019t just a buzzword, it\u2019s your secret weapon in turning a three-month fling into something truly meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dating for three months is a major checkpoint, not because you need to define everything, but because you finally can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The rose-colored glasses are slipping off, and what\u2019s left is the beautiful, messy, real version of your budding relationship. From noticing red flags to deepening emotional intimacy, this is where love either starts to bloom or reveals it might not be the right fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe End of the Honeymoon Phase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Three-Month Relationship Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. They shut down serious conversations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. You\u2019re doing all the emotional labor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. You still feel like a secret<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. They badmouth their ex (a lot)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. They disappear\u2026 then reappear like nothing happened<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Their communication is all over the place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. They ignore your boundaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. They can\u2019t handle criticism, or say \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Happens at the Three-Month Mark in a Relationship?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Is Three Months Too Soon to Know If It’s Love?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Emotional timing vs. real-time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Signs it could<\/em> be real love<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
3. But don\u2019t force the \u201cL\u201d word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things You Can Do at the Three-Month Relationship Mark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Wear your cotton underwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Text when you feel like it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Use the words \u201cus\u201d and \u201cwe\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Introduce them to your family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Go out with the girls or guys without fear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Don\u2019t put makeup on if you don\u2019t want to<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Discuss your financial philosophies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Have the ex talk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Plan a weekend getaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Start a shared hobby or project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Discuss personal boundaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Be open about your individual goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13. Share your embarrassing stories and fears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Create a ‘safe word’ for arguments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Questions to Ask Each Other at the Three-Month Mark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. \u201cWhat does a happy relationship look like to you?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. \u201cHow do you usually handle conflict?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. \u201cWhat do you need to feel emotionally safe in a relationship?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. \u201cWhere do you see yourself in a year or two?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. \u201cWhat\u2019s something from your past that shaped how you love today?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. \u201cWhat makes you feel most appreciated in a relationship?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. \u201cIs there anything you\u2019ve wanted to ask me but haven\u2019t yet?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep the Sparks Alive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Keep curiosity alive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Surprise each other (in small ways)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Don\u2019t skip intimacy check-ins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Make quality time sacred<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Celebrate your growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Embracing the Shift from Spark to Substance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n