So YOU'RE DATING...NOW WHAT?
Girls' Life magazine|February/March 2023
Going girlfriend 101: A step-by-step guide to your first real relationship.
So YOU'RE DATING...NOW WHAT?

First there were the all-weekend texting marathons. Then, your walks together between classes turned into sweet after-school strolls. Soon after, you (finally!) started dating. And now that you DTR'd, you're officially a thing. Congrats!

But...now what? Should you hold hands in the halls? Does hanging out with your new significant other replace your standing Friday night plans with your bestie? Do you have to meet their parents? Shudder. Don't freak out: We've got your ultimate guide to making the flirtationship-to-relationship transition super smooth.

EXPECT THE AWKWARD.

You're the same you, and your bae's the same bae-but your new titles can make things feel formal in a weird way. You'll stumble over a few things as you figure out what you're like as a couple: how to introduce each other, how often you'll hang and text and go out, how you handle PDA. Sure, it can be uncomfortable, but it also can be new and exciting.

How to get through it? Give yourselves some time and let things fall into place naturally. They will.

KEEP IT FUN.

We've been there: You find someone you are totally into (and, yay-they're into you, too), and suddenly it's so tempting to hang out as much as possible. Your besties get the back burner, your trail shoes gather dust and the family says they've pretty much forgotten what you look like.

The problem? Spending tons of time together could set you up to get super serious, super quickly so remember to keep it light, too. Plan cute hangouts (movie night with the crew, anyone?) without rushing into tons of one-on-one time.

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