WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY PARTNER BECOMES SILENT WHENEVER I BRING UP THE TOPIC OF MAKING OUR RELATIONSHIP OFFICIAL AFTER HOOKING UP FOR A WHILE?
THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER TACKLES A COMMON RELATIONSHIP DILEMMA: WHAT TO DO WHEN ONE PERSON WANTS TO MAKE THE RELATIONSHIP OFFICIAL BEFORE THE OTHER? IT EXPLORES THIS FRUSTRATING SCENARIO, OFFERING PRACTICAL ADVICE AND STEPS TO TAKE WHEN SEEKING CLARITY. FROM REFLECTING ON YOUR OWN FEELINGS TO INITIATING OPEN CONVERSATIONS, IT GUIDES YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS OF ADDRESSING THE ISSUE WITH YOUR PARTNER. IT ALSO DELVES INTO THE COMPLEXITIES OF DEFINING RELATIONSHIPS AND PROVIDES VALUABLE INSIGHTS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS CHALLENGING SITUATION
Ah, the elusive realm of defining relationships. It's a delicate dance that many of us have experienced at some point. You've been casually hooking up with your partner for a while, and you've reached that critical juncture where you yearn for clarity and a commitment. But every time you broach the subject of making it official, your partner goes inexplicably silent. Frustrating? Absolutely. Confusing? Without a doubt. Fear not, as this week’s newsletter delves into this common relationship predicament and explores some potential steps to take.
Reflect on your own feelings: Before addressing the issue with your partner, it's essential to understand your own emotions and motivations. Take some time to reflect on why you want to make the relationship official. Is it because you genuinely see a future together? Or is it more about societal expectations or the desire for security? Being clear on your own intentions will help guide your actions moving forward.
Communicate openly and honestly: Once you've gained clarity on your own feelings, it's time to initiate a conversation with your partner. Choose a relaxed and private setting where you can both feel comfortable. Approach the discussion with an open mind and a non-confrontational tone. Express your thoughts and desires, and be honest about how their silence on the matter makes you feel. Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns as well. Remember, effective communication is key to any successful relationship.
Listen and seek understanding: During the conversation, actively listen to your partner's perspective. It's possible they have reservations or fears that they haven't expressed yet. Give them the space to voice their concerns without interrupting or becoming defensive. By actively seeking to understand their viewpoint, you demonstrate respect and foster an environment conducive to open dialogue.
Assess their actions: Words can be misleading, but actions often reveal true intentions. While your partner may go silent when discussing commitment, pay attention to their behaviour in other areas of the relationship. Do they make an effort to spend time with you? Do they introduce you to friends and family? Are they emotionally available and supportive? Assessing their actions can provide valuable insights into their level of commitment, even if they struggle to vocalise it.
Set boundaries and consider your options: If your partner continues to avoid the conversation or gives you vague responses, it might be time to establish boundaries. Understand what you are willing to accept and what you require from a relationship. Consider how long you're willing to wait for clarity before reassessing your situation. While it's natural to hope for a positive outcome, it's also important to be prepared for the possibility that your expectations may not align.
The journey to making a casual relationship official can be challenging when your partner goes silent. Remember that relationships thrive on mutual understanding and respect, and regardless of the outcome, you deserve a partnership that aligns with your wants and needs.
Nicole is a certified dating and relationship coach who specialises in helping people navigate the complex world of modern love and dating as well as attract and cultivate healthy relationships. Her areas of focus include mindset, attachment, trauma, relationship patterning, inner child and abandonment wounds, communication, conflict management, trust issues, confidence, co-dependency, boundary work, breakups, and infidelity.
