Unclear intentions waste time and wear down hope. Alignment early saves heartbreak later.
Know your “why” first
Are you dating to explore, for companionship, or for partnership? Your “why” guides your boundaries.
Signals of matching intentions
- They initiate and follow through.
- They make small future plans (a week or two ahead).
- They respect your pace.
When you’re misaligned
If one wants casual and the other wants exclusive, clarity beats compromise that breeds resentment.
Conversation prompts
- “What do you enjoy about dating right now?”
- “What would a good next month look like for you?”
- “How do you usually decide to be exclusive?”
Scripts
- “I’m looking for a relationship. If you’re not, that’s okay—let’s be honest now.”
- “I like you and want to keep seeing you. How would exclusivity look for us?”
- “This pace doesn’t work for me. If it changes, reach out.”