Every long-lasting couple has a turning point when their casual relationship finally becomes serious. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when that happens, because you’re right in the middle of the action. However, it’s easy to see from the outside — your family and friends probably think it’s obvious and will be more than happy to point out the signs. If these 10 things are happening in your relationship, crap just got real.
- You have a key to his house. You also have a drawer at his house. In fact, half of his closet is filled with your clothes, his bathroom is littered with your makeup products, and your tampons are under the sink if you need them. You aren’t living together yet, but you might as well be.
- You make plans for him. When your friend invites you to a party at her house, you don’t ask your man if he wants to go. You simply tell him about the party, and it’s insinuated that he has to come with you. You two are a packaged deal, after all.
- You’ve watched an entire series together. If you’ve sat down to watch all nine seasons of The X-Files together, then you’re definitely serious. That much binging takes a lot of time, which means you two must be over each other’s houses constantly.
- You’re friends with his parents on Facebook. Anyone can change their relationship status, so it’s not actually that big of a deal. But if your partner’s friends and family have all added you on social media, that’s a big step. It means they understand that you’re going to be a part of their life from here on out.
- You rarely dress up for him. You’ll still dress in sexy lingerie when you’re in the mood. However, you won’t freak out if he sees you without any makeup on. You know he loves you regardless of what you look like. In fact, sometimes he prefers to see you in sweats than a dress.
- You talk about the future. If you’ve had a serious discussion about getting married, moving in together, or having children, then you two might as well call yourselves monogamous. You wouldn’t talk about big issues like that unless you were ready to commit.
- You spend the holidays together. If you know your Thanksgiving plans involve him and his parents, then you’re in a serious relationship. Once your families get involved, there’s no turning back. You two are together for the long haul.
- You bought a pet together. This is a major commitment. Some pets can live up to ten or twenty years, so you wouldn’t buy one if a breakup was on the horizon. You’d only do it if you couldn’t imagine life without each another.
- You always say “we.” When you tell your friends that “we” went apple picking over the weekend, and they don’t have to ask who “we” is, you’re in a serious relationship. Otherwise, they’d be wondering if you were referencing your sister or your mother. Once you become a packaged deal, they’ll always know whom you’re referring to.
- You’re always asked why he’s not around. If you show up to a party without him, everyone will ask you where he is. You better have an excuse ready, because you’re going to be asked the same question over and over again. Everyone is used to seeing you together, so when you’re apart, it just doesn’t feel right.