Today, we’re going to look at 13 clear signs the talking stage is going well. But first, let’s set the scene.
You’ve been texting each other constantly, and you’re sure you can feel a spark. You might have even hung out with friends together. But you haven’t kissed yet. And you’re definitely not dating.
Welcome to the talking stage! This is a time to get to know each other better and explore any feelings that have been stirring up. The talking stage is the famously ambiguous point of a relationship where you’re not quite dating, but you sense that you’re a little more than friends.
13 signs that the talking stage is going well
But how do you know if the talking stage is going well? Here are 13 signs that things are progressing smoothly.
1. You have regular contact.
If you find yourself texting each other all day long, it’s a good sign that things are going well. After all, why would you text someone constantly if you weren’t interested in them? Sure, it’s no guarantee that things will progress in a relationship, but it’s a positive sign. When the talking stage is going well, you’re both excited to text each other and see your responses.
2. You feel your connection getting stronger.
Momentum is key in a relationship. If you’re both invested and feel like your bond is only growing, then it’s a positive sign. If you sense that something special is forming between the two of you and it’s only getting better with time, it’s one of the top signs that the talking stage is going well.
3. You talk about serious topics.
When you feel comfortable enough to open up and discuss meaningful topics, it’s a sign that your connection is strong. This might involve you both talking about your main passions in life, some difficulties you’ve faced, or your plans for the future. If you can speak openly and share your thoughts without feeling judged, then the talking stage is going well.
4. You have inside jokes.
Inside jokes are a sign that you’ve reached a level of comfort with each other. If you find yourself sharing funny stories and laughing uncontrollably, it’s a sure sign that the talking stage is going great. Everyone wants to spend time around people who make them laugh, so if you’re having a great time, it’s a positive sign. There’s also a level of familiarity involved with inside jokes that reinforces a bond.
5. You make future plans together.
If you start making plans for the future, such as upcoming weekend getaways or movie nights, it suggests that you’re comfortable making commitments to each other. It’s also a sign that you both enjoy being around each other and want to continue spending time together in the future. This often implies that you are moving towards officially dating.
6. You give each other compliments.
Positive comments about each other are a sign that you’re enjoying each other’s company and that you appreciate each other’s unique characteristics. Compliments can range from physical attributes to personality traits. If you’re giving each other compliments about traits that few other people notice, that’s an even bigger sign that the talking stage is going well because it shows that you understand each other on a deep level.
7. You feel like it’s flowing naturally.
If things are progressing organically, it’s a sign that the talking stage is going well. You should feel like you’re getting to know each other naturally and that the conversations come easily. If you have to force the conversation or it feels like an awkward interview, then the talking stage might be a bit bumpy. But if both of you feel like it’s flowing, then it’s a sign that you’re compatible on a deeper level.
8. You are both putting in a similar amount of effort.
If both of you are investing roughly equally into the relationship, then it’s a sign that the talking stage is going well. It means that neither of you feels like they are doing all the work and that you’re both enjoying getting to know each other. This is key if you want a relationship to move forward because it shows that both parties are equally invested.
9. You are open and honest with each other.
Transparency is an important part of any relationship, and it’s a sign that the talking stage is going well. When you’re both comfortable enough to speak honestly and openly about your thoughts and feelings, it demonstrates that you trust each other because it involves being vulnerable. This is the foundation for any successful relationship. This is especially true if you can tell that the person is listening carefully and understanding your point.
10. You prioritize each other.
If you’re making each other a priority, then it’s a sign that the talking stage is going well. This might involve rearranging your plans to make time for each other or going out of your way to make each other happy. It’s a sign that you both want the relationship to work and that you’re putting in the necessary effort to make it last. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be ignoring your friends and family in favor of the other person. But if you’re prepared to put in the effort to make things work, then it’s a great sign.
11. Your communication is consistent.
Consistent communication is a key sign that the talking stage is going well. If you’re finding yourself messaging each other throughout the day, texting good morning messages, and having meaningful conversations, then it’s a sign that you both have the desire to stay connected. This is a way of strengthening your bond. Consistency is a great sign in any kind of relationship and at any stage.
12. You flirt with each other.
Flirting is a positive sign that the talking stage is going well. Flirtatious banter, whether it’s in person or over text messages, is a sign that the two of you are comfortable with each other and feel attracted to one another. It’s an indicator that the talking stage might be heading towards officially dating.
13. You trust each other with private matters.
If you feel comfortable enough to open up about private matters, then it indicates that the talking stage is going well. Confiding in each other involves trust that would keep those conversations private. This is a sign that the two of you are forming an emotional connection and feel like you can count on each other.
One of these signs alone isn’t enough to guarantee success, but if you’re experiencing several of them, then the talking stage is likely going well. It’s a crucial step in getting to know someone, and it’s important to take the time to ensure that you’re both compatible. That way, when the relationship does move to the next level, it’s more likely to be successful.
Uncertainty during the talking stage
Dealing with uncertainty in the talking stage of a relationship can feel like navigating an obstacle course in the dark. There’s no instruction manual, no map, and no guarantee that everything will end up the way you want it to. This doesn’t mean the journey isn’t worth it, though.
Nerves can actually be a helpful sign. If you’re feeling a little apprehensive, it means that you care. Rather than letting the anxiety overwhelm you, stay focused on what you know for certain and take each day as it comes.
Lean into this time of exploration and new experiences rather than fighting against it – welcome every conversation, embrace any awkward silences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something confuses you. Or if you want clarity about where you stand. As always, when it comes to relationships, communication is key.
If you’re still not sure whether the talking stage is going well, don’t panic. While handling uncertainty during the talking stage may not always be easy, with the right approach, you can come out feeling more confident and secure in yourself than ever before.
Taking stage FAQs
We’ll finish off by looking at some talking stage FAQs.
How long does the talking stage last?
The length of the talking stage can vary greatly depending on the situation. It might last a few days, weeks, or months. In some cases, it can even last years. For example, if you are colleagues or you’ve been friends for a long time.
Ultimately, the talking stage is about getting to know each other and deciding whether or not you want to take things to the next level. Of course, there’s no hard and fast rule about how long you should wait before making things official.
A good rule of thumb is to bring up the conversation when you’re clear about your feelings toward the other person. If you’re still unsure, it’s better to take your time before making a decision.
Of course, your love interest may bring up the conversation before you do. That’s okay, too – just make sure that both of you communicate openly and be clear about your expectations.
What happens at the end of the talking stage?
There comes a time during any talking stage when one or both people make the decision about how to move forward. On one hand, this could mean that the relationship progresses to a deeper level, which is usually great news.
If this is the case, make sure you’re both clear about what type of relationship you are transitioning into and what each person expects from the other. It’s important to establish boundaries at this stage so that you can build a strong foundation for the future.
Figure out together whether you’ll give your relationship a label. Are you now ‘seeing’ each other, ‘exclusive,’ or formally ‘in a relationship’? By being clear about what this next phase means, you can avoid any confusion further down the line.
On the other hand, it’s also possible that one or both parties decide to end the relationship at this point. This can be an incredibly painful experience, depending on how attached you became to each other and the extent of the connection you felt.
Ending things during the talking stage is often hard, but it’s better than continuing something that’s not going to work.
Why does a talking stage breakup hurt so much?
A talking stage breakup hurts so much because you’ll often have developed a deep bond with that person. Just because you weren’t officially together, it doesn’t mean that it counts for nothing. Sometimes, people show very few signs that the walking stage is or isn’t going well, so the talking stage breakup can come as a shock.
It’s common for a couple to share a strong connection during the talking stage. When you have a talking stage breakup, all the possibilities with that person evaporate, which can be hard to deal with.
A talking stage breakup can be similar to a relationship breakup if you really like them. There is a sense of loss of what could have been.
If you’ve projected qualities onto the person that aren’t there, this can make it even harder to cope with a talking stage breakup. This would mean you had an idealized vision of what the relationship could have been, and you may feel a lot more pain when it ends.
You should give yourself space to grieve the loss, but you want to avoid overthinking things. The best thing you can do is to live life to the fullest. Pursue your passions, meet new people, chase your dreams, practice self-care, and spend time with your loved ones.
Final thoughts on signs the talking stage is going well
The talking stage can be confusing and frustrating at times. But now you know 13 clear signs that the talking stage is going well.
Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy this phase. Whether things progress into a relationship or not, you’ll never get that time back. From captivating conversations that flow freely to seeing new layers to this person, getting to know someone can be a beautiful thing. So savor the moments and try to look past the uncertainty.
Now, go out there fully armed with all of this knowledge about the talking stage and stay curious. Who knows? They may just be your next great love story.
