When I first brought up my two week test trial rule of dating my friends looked at me like I was nuts, but when I explained my theory they seemed to better understand what I was talking about.

The two week test trial

When I first begin dating someone I initiate a two week test trial. I've learned in the course of dating that you can often decide within the first two weeks of dating whether or not the relationship will be worth pursuing. It's simple, after two weeks of dating ask yourself whether or not you can see yourself in a long term relationship with that person. If you can, great, pursue it. If you cannot see yourself in a long term relationship you have two options. Option number one terminate the relationship. Option number two is to continue to date the person but be honest and forthcoming about telling them that you don't see the relationship going anywhere in the future and that you're dating other people. Or you can tell them you don't want a committed relationship, but you'd love to continue seeing them because let's face it, you just have fun together. Most people appreciate the honesty and you might just make a valuable friend.

After two weeks, there are three things to remember.

1. It is important to always be honest with the person you are dating about your intentions as far as the relationship goes. If at anytime you think the relationship will not work, let the person know. If you keep stringing them along all you are essentially doing in the long run is wasting a lot of your and their time, and you never know you might miss out on the right person while you're wasting time with the wrong person.

2. Don't lose yourself in the relationship. It is so easy to try to become the person you think your partner wants you to be while in most cases the reason they started dating you is why they continue to date you. If you can't be yourself with the person you are dating then you must be uncomfortable with them on some level. Even if you can't place what it is that makes you uncomfortable you may want to rethink moving forward in the relationship.

3. Ask for opinions from your friends and family about the person you are dating and listen to them before judging what they have to say. Let it sink in for a few days and process it before you decide whether or not it's worth taking. More often than not they may be able to offer an outside perspective and point out things that we ourselves cannot see because we are inside the relationship. I was involved in a relationship for six years and after the relationship ended my friends came forward and told me all the reasons they didn't like him for me. I had finally figured out all of this for myself, but hearing that from them sooner what have been helpful.

Learn more about this author, GypsyBell.
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