The speed, or pace, at which love develops is one of the most modern-day wonders of dating, and varies from person to person. The butterflies in your stomach, the smiling at a simple text, and the nonsense talking after barely having a full conversation are all feelings that we enjoy having while we are in the talking stage of a relationship. While some jump in eager for a connection, others try their best to move along more carefully, contemplating just about every move. An instant bond with someone might prompt an individual to jump into a relationship with a shot of responsibilities or on the other hand, there may also be those who learned from their previous experiences and may do things slowly so as to ensure that they are ready for the commitment.
Cultural and social influences also shape the speed of relationships heavily. In some cultures, relationships occur in the blink of an eye, with family sometimes dictating your love life. Arranged marriages are not as common as they were before but they are definitely still around and heard of. In some cultures if you are not with someone and having children by age 20 you are considered a spinster. Peer pressure plays a big role in this, meaning that with just about everyone doing everything so fast, it slowly feels like the world will come to a standstill unless you catch up.
On the other hand, there are people who do not follow traditions and would not rush the development of relationships. They take their own time, as aligning with their own beliefs is worth more than any pressures.In the end, entering into a relationship depends on an individual’s personal circumstances. There is no universal answer as to what is right. The pace at which relationships move can be due to emotional needs or family/social pressures. People move at different paces depending on what they are comfortable with. The trick is to find a pace that feels natural and healthy for both people involved. Relationships are not a one-size-fits-all and no harm comes from allowing them to develop in such a way that respects both partners’ needs and intentions, this ensures that things blossom naturally.
