The talking stage is described as the very beginning of a relationship where two people are trying to get to know each other. For many, the phrase “We’re just talking” is equivalent to “We have intentions of dating each other but do not know if we should.” Or it is a blanket term for not jumping into a relationship right away. Whatever side of the argument you are on we can all agree that the talking stage can bring more questions than the security people are actually looking for.
There are many ‘rules’ in the process of getting to know someone, it tends to become more complicated than being in an actual relationship. Although you might not be tied down, there is some exclusivity in getting to know someone for the long-term.
While some say it is okay to talk to others romantically as a means to keep your options open, others disagree. Most feel like the talking stage is a step that will lead to a relationship.
However, growing into a relationship does not always end up being the end result due to people using this stage as a means to have multiple people strung along instead of having one person they will eventually be with exclusively.
The idea of the potential relationship carries itself longer than most conversations. In the time you took getting to know the person you gained feelings and now will have to deal with emotions as if you are in a breakup. You might feel delusional and hopeless due to this, but this all stems from the what if scenarios that cloud your mind.
You convince yourself that you know the person, when all you know is the version you are infatuated by. This makes it hard for some to trust people enough to even get into these types of scenarios with future people.
So, what do you do instead? Yes, get to know people at your own pace, but instead of trying to label it as talking, just flow with the title of being friends. It is okay to get to know someone as a friend instead of a potential partner. Remember, successful relationships need a strong foundation and a friendship can lead to just that.
