Though some singles prefer to maintain a more casual approach to dating, many others are inclined to see dating as a mate selection process that if successful, could eventually lead to the development of a more serious relationship. If you fall into the latter category, you may someday find yourself wondering whether or not your current dating partner is relationship material.

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to figure out that you are incompatible with a certain someone. A lack of chemistry between you and your date, for example, is a pretty solid indication that the potential for romance is not likely to exist. Unfortunately, however, not all dating experiences are so cut and dry. Certain circumstances may lead unsuspecting singles to invest a great deal of time, effort, and heart into developing a strong connection with a dating partner, only to later discover that their bond with that person is not likely to go much further.

Like many other singles struggling to stay afloat in the dating pool, at some point you may begin to wonder when your own dating experience will reach the proverbial fork in the road where it either hits the brakes or blossoms into a committed relationship. Since there are a number of factors that come into play when answering such a question, it is necessary to first consider the individual wants, needs and expectations of each person involved.

Before trying to take things to the next level with your dating partner, make an effort to objectively determine if you and your partner are realistically a good match. The first and most important step in this process is to consciously remove the rose-colored glasses of infatuation that tend to blur even the most obvious of realities when it comes to making crucial relationship choices. Though it is much easier said than done, try to establish some emotional distance from the situation and evaluate it from the outside looking in. Review the questions below, answer them honestly and use your responses to help guide your final analysis. Keep in mind, however, that the best way to achieve an honest response is to simply go with your gut instinct. Over thinking the questions will only tempt you to manipulate your answers so that they suit your desired outcome rather than allowing your natural instinct to lead you toward the path that is best for you and your needs. You owe it to yourself to make dating decisions that will yield the most positive long-term results, even if it means having to make some difficult choices in the here and now.

• How do I feel about my partner?
  
  
• How do I think my partner feels about me?
  
  
• What sort of things does my partner say or do that lead me to believe that he/she feels a certain way about me?
  
  
• Can my partner and I trust each other freely and without hesitation? Why or why not?
  
  
• In what ways are my partner and I compatible?
  
  
• In what ways are my partner and I notcompatible?
  
  
• What do my friends think about my partner and how did they reach their conclusions?
  
  
• Are my partner and I on the same page about the things that matter most to us as individuals?
  
  
• Do my partner and I accept each other just as we are or are there certain things that one or both of us would like to change about the other?
  
  
• Are my partner and I supportive of each other’s personal goals and dreams?