After dating for five months, couples usually become more exclusive. This may include deleting their dating apps or stopping seeing other people.
They also learn about each other’s responsibilities and goals. They’re comfortable showing each other their flaws and embarrassing moments.
This is the ideal time to determine if they’re truly committed to you. If not, it’s a good idea to move on.
1. You’re starting to miss each other
This is a good sign that your relationship is serious. It means that you are both invested in it and miss each other when you’re apart.
It’s also a good sign that you are starting to share hobbies. This is a great way to keep the spark alive and spend time together doing something that you both enjoy.
By this point, you may be introducing each other to your friends and family. This is a great way to get to know each other’s values and backgrounds.
This is also a good time to start talking about money. This is often a difficult topic, but it’s important to discuss your financial expectations and goals early in the relationship. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and disagreements down the road.
2. You’re starting to share hobbies
By the time you hit this mark, you’ve probably been on a few dates and maybe even met each other’s friends. You’ve also likely started sharing some of your hobbies with one another.
Whether you’re going hiking, taking a TikTok challenge, or just playing video games on a Thursday, these activities are a sign that you’ve accepted each other as your true selves. This level of acceptance can help a relationship thrive in the long run.
It’s also a great way to learn more about your partner. For instance, if they love skydiving and hiking, you know that they’re an adventurer. Similarly, if they like playing music or writing, you can see that they’re a creative person. By combining your interests, you can create new memories together.
3. You’re starting to talk about money
Money is a huge cause of stress in relationships and is often a topic that couples try to avoid. However, when you get to the 5 month mark, it’s time to start having broader conversations about your finances.
Coambs recommends asking open-ended questions to help assess if your partner’s financial goals and habits are compatible with your own. For example, you can ask about their plans for retirement, whether they’re planning to buy a home and their attitudes towards saving and spending.
These conversations don’t need to be in-depth, but it’s important that they are regular and recurring. This helps both you and your partner practice the communication skills needed to discuss more difficult topics. You can set up a weekly or monthly money check-in, depending on your relationship and finances.
4. You’re starting to plan new holidays
The first holidays are a good time to get to know your partner better. It’s a great opportunity to uncover a few of their quirks or hidden talents. And if their family is important to them, you’ll get a chance to see how they interact with their parents and siblings.
Inviting your partner to your holiday gatherings can also be a sign that you’re ready to take things more seriously. But before you do, make sure you’re both comfortable with this and that your families don’t have conflicting traditions.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to start talking about money at this stage. It’s a dreaded conversation, but it can be important for couples who are serious about their relationship. It will help them establish a fair split for outings and plan long-term goals.
5. You’re starting to talk about your future together
As the relationship becomes more serious, it’s important to make sure that your priorities line up. If you’re not both putting in the effort to make your time together work, it may be a sign that this isn’t the right fit for you.
If you’re starting to miss each other when you’re apart, this is a great sign that things are moving in the right direction. It’s also a sign that you’re beginning to think of your partner as more than just a fling. This is where the lust hormones start to fade and the real connections are made. It’s a big milestone to hit after dating for 5 months. This is the point where most couples decide whether to take the relationship further or break up.