So, you’ve been through your fare share of disastrous relationships, you are a bit more aware of what you are looking in your life, and you are currently in a relationship where everything seems to be going well. But, how to tell if it is time to get married?

I know that this question should be handled carefully. It may induce vomiting with the unprepared, but still, it is an important question. We are not talking about your biological clock, you are  fine on that front, but how can you tell if your relationship is ready to level up? Is she or he the one? Will you try to strangle each other after of month of marriage? We’ve created a nice little list that will help you answer some of these questions.

1. You’re Honest with Each Other

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This is clearly the most important one. When you are truly comfortable with someone, you do not feel pressured to always present the best version of yourself, which usually implies lying, or distorting the truth a little. You feel comfortable being yourself, being an exposed and vulnerable piece of meat with lots of mixed emotions, desires and needs, and that’s cool, because your partner should be in the same place with you.

Most of us don’t believe in true love. It is the disease of our internet age, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Once you get to the point where you can share the best and the worst you have to offer, and you open yourself to your beloved  that is the moment when you will know whether you can spend the rest of your life with that person. It is clearly a big emotion, and a big realization, but it is necessary for your relationship to move on.

2. Unwavering Trust

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Unwavering is defined by being unshakable, firm or resolute; definitive. This is another great example of how you can tell that you are ready for more. When you are honest with someone, and you trust them to be the same with you, there is nothing that can truly come between you. While it’s true that many couples experience some degree of conflict or disagreement in their relationship, it’s not healthy to intentionally create drama or petty arguments as a way to keep the “spark” alive. In fact, constant bickering or drama can cause unnecessary stress and strain on a relationship, leading to resentment and feelings of dissatisfaction. Instead of focusing on creating drama, it’s important for couples to communicate openly and honestly with each other, while also respecting each other’s needs and boundaries. By fostering a strong and healthy connection, couples can build a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship that is based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. It is usually pointless, and only leads to a momentary dispersion of emotions, but it does nothing for you in the long run.

Jealousy is probably one of the most abused emotions thrown around in a relationship. While it is clear that it is an important emotion, it has to be used carefully, with clear restrictions. Trust is earned, and it is all about perspective. You need to trust your partner, and feel confident that they trust you as well. If a problem arises, you will address it like adults  but trying to find something that isn’t there will only increase the chances of it actually appearing.

3. You are Friends, You Understand Each Other

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While there is a clear difference between being friends and being lovers, perfect love is found in the combination of both. When you have a friend in your partner, you do not have to fight in order to win an argument, but you need to overcome an issue. Stop there for a moment and read that again. Do you understand the difference?

The last time you fought, were you honestly scared about your relationship, or were you just trying to appear smarter, or did you just want to win, no matter what? The answer can tell you a lot about the state of your relationship. But don’t worry, that is also one of the steps towards becoming a true team, so even that can be improved over time. In the end, you just want your partner to be happy, and that is all that matters.

4. You Can See Your Future

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Not only do you not dread the fact that you have to wake up near the same person until the end of your life, but you also share similar goals, desires and needs. Most couples, after spending a lot of time together, sooner or later start talking about the big questions in life. Do you want children? How many? Where do you want to live? Should we focus on our jobs now or later? Having similar plans and agreeing on the big issues is incredibly important.

In order to answer some questions as a couple, you first needs to answer some questions by yourself. Are you ready for something more? Do you see yourself with someone else down the line? Are you willing to share everything with someone, trust someone unconditionally and rely on them? Of course, these answers will give you all the info you need to make a wise decision.

If the answers are good and you are sure that this is it, just go for it! The wedding itself can be anything you want it to be. You can share that only with the closest members of your family and friends, you can make a big gala event for all your 500 Facebook friends. In the end, you can simply elope and create a special memory for just the two of you. Now, take a deep breath and relax. Invite your partner over and have the talk.