If you’ve just gotten into a new relationship, or you’re currently feeling your way around a potential new partner, you already know you’ve got quite a few firsts ahead of you. Everything you do together is a special occasion when it’s the first time, and that very fact alone could be making you nervous! But if that’s the case, it’s important not to put your firsts off. You can get through them safely and happily; you just need to learn how to navigate them with tips like these. 

Your First Time Staying the Night

You want to stay over, or your partner is asked if they can – this is a big step for a new relationship. You might have already spent a lot of time with each other, but now you’re coming into each other’s space for the night – that’s huge! So the first thing to decide is how you want things to go, and be sure to say this out loud to your partner. If you haven’t been intimate with each other yet, make sure you put down both your boundaries and desires, and see what your partner has to say about their own. Listen as much as you talk. 

Your First Time Telling Someone About the Relationship

You might have kept your friends updated throughout the process of getting together with your partner, but this might be the first time they’re meeting in person. If so, you’re probably quite nervous right now! You want your friends to like them, and you’re desperate for your significant other to enjoy their time out with your friendship group. Don’t be afraid to air this concern to both sides, and also tell them you’re open to hearing about any problems. The easier it is to speak up, the better this introduction will go! 

Your First Argument

It’s going to happen, and when it does, it doesn’t have to mean you’re about to break up. You could just be venting, or you’ve had a misunderstanding that’s escalated. And yes, you were hoping to never have to argue, but sometimes they can be constructive ways to clear the air, as long as you’re trying to reach a solution. If you’re just going round in circles waiting for one person to win, it’s likely you’ll need a guide on how to argue with a narcissist. Temper your expectations, take some time to calm down, then come back later to see if they want to talk things through. 

Your First Conversation About the Future

Talking about the future can be scary, but what kind of commitment do you want? Move in together? Get married one day? Have a child together? Or maybe the latter without the former? The first time you talk about may get your heart pounding, but this conversation needs to happen, and sooner rather than later. 

Getting into a relationship isn’t just one decision. It’s a series of them, and the firsts are going to keep coming your way. 

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