3 Ways You Can Take Your Relationship to the Next Level

The butterflies in your stomach before a date, the way your heart flips when they walk into the room . . . there is nothing quite like the early stages of a relationship when you are first getting to know and love each other. However, it is when your relationship has deepened, and you both come to realise that you would like a committed, meaningful partnership, that you can really create something special. If you are ready to commit to each other, here are three ways you can take your relationship to the next level.

1. Introduce your partner to your kids

If you have the good feeling that this is a committed relationship that will last a long time, introducing your partner to each other’s families gives the signal that this is a new member of the family. This introduction is especially important if either of you have children from a previous relationship. In this situation, only introduce a new partner if you are sure that the relationship will be long-lasting, shielding your kids from the emotional fall-out of another breakup. When introducing your children to a new partner, keep initial meetings short and low-key. Keep in mind that your children may not be as enthralled by your new partner as you are – they could see them as a rival for your love and a replacement for their other parent. Reassure them that this is not the case, you have enough love to go around, and your new romantic relationship will not change your children’s relationship with their other parent. 

2. Buy a house together

Moving in together is a great way of taking your relationship to the next level. You really get to know each other more deeply when you live together, getting to see whether your lifestyles and habits are compatible or, at the very least, tolerable. This might involve either one of you moving into a property owned under the other’s name; however, this might lead to a sense of equality in the relationship, with one person feeling like a guest in the other’s home. As such, you might eventually decide to buy a house together. Linden Homes has a Help to Buy scheme for first-time buyers that you can apply for, providing you with financial assistance for buying your first property and beginning your new life together with your partner. 

3. Consider marriage

Over the past few decades, the act of marriage and marriage itself has become less of a social requirement for couples to undertake to live together and start a family. However, marriage can make certain legalities easier in terms of dividing assets and organizing child support if your relationship sadly breaks down. If the high costs of a wedding put you off, it is possible to get married on a budget. There is something meaningful and symbolic about marriage, bringing you and your partner together as spouses and cementing your commitment to each other.