That transition from dating into a real relationship can be overwhelming. You feel ready to move forward but aren’t sure if he feels the same. You’ll be able to know if he is dating you exclusively by the vibes that he gives to you. You’re his priority, he is very transparent, wants to know bits and pieces of your soul….. The list will be completed after defining the difference between ‘Exclusive Dating’ and ‘Being in a relationship.’
Exclusive dating VS Being in a relationship
There are a few details that distinguish dating from dating exclusively and from a relationship. ~ The dating phase: At this phase, you’re just talking, hanging out, having a good time. You may go on a few dates and still have other open options. You still have some boundaries and you’re not ready to be open up completely. At this point, you aren’t sure how to label him if someone asks you. Is he your date, more than that, or even your boyfriend? ~ The exclusive dating phase: You date one another and aren’t open to dating other people simultaneously. You try to spend more time with one another. You spend more time and energy getting to know your partner better. Now you’re starting to develop stronger feelings for one another but yet you’re not fully committed. You don’t hold the full responsibilities that a relationship requires. ~ Being in a relationship: You’re more comfortable in each other’s presence. You think of spending time with each other for the long term. Now, you’ll be each other’s priority. You’ll share the worst and the bad times without judging one another. You have a mutual goal to get on the same page with one another and follow your dreams and aims. 14 signs he wants to date you exclusively:
1. He pursues you
He creates a positive and safe aura when he likes you. You already can feel his focus on you once he starts to pursue you. One of the signs that he wants to date you exclusively is he will be interested in you. He will show his interest, by texting or calling you first. Also, he’ll not get you to chase him or give you mixed feelings. His attention is more focused on you than other things in his life.
2. He doesn’t flirt with other women
A subtle sign that he is ready to be exclusive with you is not being interested in flirting with anyone other than you. Now, you’ll feel that he is focused on you. Slowly you’ve started to become his priority. Thus, your dating starts slowly to be exclusive. This means that your partner is no longer interested in open dating. This virtue crosses the line from dating to exclusive dating.
3. He worries about you
True feelings are involved once he starts to get worried about you. He’ll text to check if you’re alright, whether you have arrived home, or if you need any help. Pay close attention to details. Look how he behaves when he’s alone with you and while you’re in a group. If he is always worrying about you and taking care of you then he is ready to be exclusive. To say it shortly, he is already doing it.
4. He keeps in contact
One of the strong signs of dating exclusively is communication. It’s important to take a closer look at when and how he communicates with you. If he wants to date exclusively then he’ll contact you whenever throughout the day. Excluding the calls and texts only when he needs you or through the night.
5. He listens to you
He isn’t distracted or bored of you. If he has been listening to you and participating then he has already invested his feelings in you. When he’s ready to date exclusively then he isn’t afraid of getting to know you more. Also, he gives his opinion here and there throughout the conversation. He wants to build that deep connection with you.
6. He considers you as his priority
One of the solid signs he wants to date you exclusively is by making you part of his life. He isn’t only interested in calling you late when he is feeling rather lonely or horny. He’s not secretive and doesn’t want to hang with you only when he needs you.
7. He spends more time with you
This might sound cliche and ordinary for some. Yet, closeness is the main sign he wants to be official. If he spends his time and energy just to be with you and know, be sure that he’s upgrading your connection. Even with a busy schedule, he will make time to spend with you. This way, he wants to know more of you and be in your presence. He’s looking to create a special bond between you too.
8. He likes to plan the dates
We came to one of my favorite signs that include exclusivity, intimacy, thoughtfulness, and the thrill itself. Little thoughtful details sure do make a difference. If his intention is to treat you like the woman of your own value then he’s caught strong feelings. He pays attention to remembering what you like and dislike. Also, he makes sure to make you feel safe and sound with him. These strong feelings make him set up little perfect plans, to sum up how he feels about you. Note: If a guy wants to date you exclusively then his body language will be the mirror of his soul and feelings.
His eye pupils will go wide. His heart skips a beat.He’ll feel nervous as on the first date.He smiles widely.He looks at you constantly.
9. You feel yourself with him
Once he’s emotionally attracted to you, he creates a safe place for you and him. He wants to date you exclusively when you feel your true self with him. You can feel his vibe and the flow of this relationship. At this point, he isn’t afraid to know your vulnerable side and show his side too. He listens to your needs and wants to know your opinions about life, your relationship, and about him.
10. He’s no longer part of dating apps
He’s come to the point when he’s not open to dating other people anymore. But he may never be able to fake his body language and real feelings. One of the signs he wants to be exclusive is entering the commitment zone. For a man, it’s a big decision to shift from being open to dating other women and commit to one person. This means that he’s caught strong feelings for you. He wants to focus only on you and invest his time and energy in you.
11. He wants to be seen with you in public
It’s important that showing affection towards you in public isn’t a burden for him. He has already made up his mind to be official. He wants to shout to the whole wide world that you’re his lover. He’s not afraid, unsure, or shamed to hold your hand in public or show affection. The relationship isn’t superficial or a strand. When he wants to make it official, it doesn’t bother him to kiss you in public or pull your waist, just like that.
12. He wants to know about your plans
He’s more curious about your plans for the future. It’s a small indicator of a long-term relationship. It’s like a pre-stage before jumping to being exclusive. He wants to create an emotional connection with you and doesn’t want to have only a superficial relationship. Now, he isn’t in the relationship, just for the fun part. He’s curious about your thoughts and how you see the future with him.
12. He’s vulnerable with you
Sharing his deepest secrets with you is a strong sign he’s ready to date you exclusively. By opening up to you, he invites you to be part of his deeper thoughts and feelings. Of course, this means that he feels safe and at ease with you. He entrusts you with his emotions and opinions. He pours his soul out to test your reaction. You might start to consider it as a turning point in your relationship.
13. You become part of his entourage
Asking you to be part of his entourage is an invitation to his soul and real life. A guy who just wants to date you isn’t interested or ready to introduce you to his friends or his family. You’re already a person of value if he asks you to meet his friends first. He’s already affected by your presence. Thus, he wants you to be on the list of his important people.
14. He isn’t playing mind games
If you’re already dating and asking how to know if he wants to be exclusive- CHECK FOR MIND GAMES! One of the strongest signs of exclusivity in dating is being straightforward with you. He doesn’t urge you to chase him. He doesn’t play hot and cold. The moment he wants to be official, he’ll be open and not send mixed signals. Since he might be afraid that sending you mixed signals will be a red flag.
How do I have the “are we exclusive” talk?
It’s very normal to raise the topic of exclusivity if you have been dating for several months. You want to know if you should invest your time and energy any further. On the other hand, it is important to know where you stand in this relationship too. 5 Important things to do while you initiate this conversation.
- Define why you want to know it. Ask yourself why it is important for you to know if he’s dating you exclusively. Do you want to know if he’s the one? If you have been developing strong feelings for him then you want to know his reaction. If you want to test the waters and check if he’s compatible, then do it. If he’s flexible enough then he would answer and be straightforward with you. Perhaps, you want to test yourself too. It might be a reflection of whether your feelings are growing or not.
- Find the right time to have this conversation. Asking this question too early will be a turn-off for him and he’ll feel intimidated too. Also, asking this question too late can lead him to misunderstand your feelings towards him. He might think that everything that he has done wasn’t important for you. However, you can have this conversation as you’re being vulnerable with one another. Someone might develop feelings earlier than others. He might be ready to listen to this conversation even after one or a few months. More than a month is quite enough to know if he has true feelings about you.
- Start by broaching the topic generally. Ask him multiple and different questions. He might be respectful and caring and that might lead you to confusion. You might take it as he’s being exclusive with you. Have an open conversation with him.
Ask him what makes a long-term relationship for him.
If he had developed feelings for someone, would he still be open to dating someone else?
If he is interested in a monogamous relationship.
How does he know he has found the one?
Ask what he is looking for in a stable relationship.
- Share what you have in common and your differences. As you lie the differences and similarities you let him define the relationship. You give him space to add his opinion too. He might agree or disagree with the traits that you list. By mentioning what you have in common or not you balance the situation.
- Listen to his perspective. It’s very important to not make this only for you. Give him the space and time to reflect and give you an answer. Each of you might process dating and feelings differently.
How long should you date to be exclusive with him?
Every relationship progresses differently. This depends on how both of you perceive the term exclusive dating and how your dates go. It’s very crucial to know how often you see each other. Frequency matters when you define dating exclusively. ~Both of you will know if you’re dating the right one within a month or two. After a couple of dates, you’ll be able to tell what type of energy he transmits. After this time you can evaluate how you feel towards him. Also, at this point, he’ll know if he wants to pursue this relationship or not. ~It’s important not to rush things but not to take them very slowly. Some guys are slow in processing their feelings. To know if he wants to be serious in this relationship, it might take up to six months. It’s a bit of a long time to know where your relationship stands. This is the right time when you need to step in and have the talk. It’s better to have the talk earlier. If it takes longer then you won’t know how the relationship is proceeding. ~ You’ll feel it in your gut. You’ll know the exact moment that you’re an item when both of you feel the same. You know that you’re dating only each other and are willing to know more about one another. You’ll know that you’re in the same direction.
The Conclusion: How do I know if we’re exclusive?
Once he wants to be exclusive or wants to be official then he’ll do anything to show it. If he wants to upgrade from normal dating to exclusive then he’ll want to know more about you. He wants to be around you all the time. To cut it short, he puts you on his list of priorities. Don’t rush into making any conclusion. Yes, you can go through the signs, yet, be open to having a conversation about it. There is nothing better than talking and pouring out your thoughts and feelings. Enjoy the ride! Best wishes, Callisto
