So you know your relationship has gone to ’the next level’

Dating is nerve-wrackingly exciting. From Tinder dates and friendships that start to blossom into something more; it can completely take over your life. And after a number of successful first dates, you can think of nothing else but those fluttering butterflies in your stomach. But does he feel the same? And how do you know you won't end up in a rut? There are a few simple ways to find out if your relationship has gone from simple dates to relationship potential.

1. Your toothbrush has claimed its own spot next to his at his sink. And he has no problem with that.
2. He holds your hand. Not just when it's just the two of you, but also around his friends. It shows that he is proud to be with you. A very good sign, this.
3. You watch a series together. That's a kind of relationship contract. Because once you start a series with 6 seasons of 15 episodes that all last 95 minutes, um, do you calculate that? That's a lot of hours together.
4. Eating together is no longer a date. It's now part of your daily routine. Cooking together every evening is oh so cozy, and also one of the best ways to know where you stand in your relationship. Quite solid.
5. Your closet is full of his sweaters. They look better on you than they do on him.
6. He knows your favorite drink at your favorite bar. So it doesn't matter if you're a few minutes late. Your favorite drink is waiting for you along with your guy. Ideal.
7. You no longer have to spend hours in front of the mirror before you see him again. In your pajamas, without makeup on and with your hair up, he still thinks you're the most beautiful. And he lets you know that too.
8. You accidentally let out a fart while he was there. And he just found it hilarious.
9. You've already taken your first selfie together. And there's a good chance it's now on your Instagram or as a background on your phone.
10. He has closely studied your makeup routine while brushing his teeth in the morning. And he finds all those products and things you put on a bit strange.
11. The same goes for your evening face cleansing routine. He is already done brushing his teeth and watches with interest as you transform yourself into your natural beauty. And you are no longer embarrassed about it at all.
12. He has asked you all the questions that men secretly want to know from women but never dared to ask before. And you now know much more about the man.
13. He has told you that his parents know you exist. You may have never met them, but they know you are in their son's life. And that's almost just as good.
14. He makes an effort to get to know all your girlfriends.
15. That's why he knows all the gossip. And he is oh so interested.
16. You no longer have to hold back your crazy self. You can be wonderfully silly and he has fully accepted that.
17. The dates he organizes are becoming increasingly creative.
18. But it's also perfectly fine to order food via Thuisbezorgd.nl, so you can binge-watch your favorite series.
19. You have survived your first argument and it ended up being completely fine.
20. You've already talked at least once about how sweet, cute, and handsome your babies would be.

Written by: Danique van Leeuwenstijn