How do you know if you're ready for a relationship?

[ReturningMoon]

Hi everyone. I think it can be hard to tell simply because another person can't make you happy if you aren't that way already. You could have a spouse and even kids but they won't make you happy either.
Do you just take a chance on it and see where it leads? I'm asking this because I met someone online who seems to want that from me. I think he seems like a nice guy but I don't want to get too far into something I'm not ready for. I need to get to know him first to decide.

[Miss Hepburn]

I personally think it is easier to know when you are NOT ready.
There are 2 books or 3 that aid people to have a successful relationship.
''The Five Love Languages''...fascinating by Chapman and
"Getting The Love You Want'' -by Hendriks (or Hendrix?)

Each one you only have to read 1-3 chapters to get so much out of them! Good luck with this. :)

[Alethia]

HI Returningmoon

I agree with you that ultimately, you have to find your own happiness, but also too, everything around you, everything you choose, can be a building process to support this in you. Sometimes taking chances, diving in, is another way to build this process as yourself. Taking risks is also another way to open your heart, especially when you don’t know. At times, to dive in, can be a way to just see how things might go, if it feels right in you. If you just remind yourself, when you dive in, you can change your mind at any time, you’ll be fine. Reading your post you already know what you want. I would do it your way in the end. Some people move fast in matters of the heart. Others like to take it slow. If slow is your way. Trust yourself.

Your heart will speak to you directly when the right time will comes.

[SaraTherase]

I personally think when you met someone you just get a feeling and know it's right.

To me your suggesting that you know your not quite ready and that's ok, just think with that in mind how much your willing to invest.

I really feel that when the right person comes along you will be ready and you will just know within yourself so trust yourself, listen to your body and how you are feeling as it is there to guide you and steer you in the right direction.

Best of luck with everything

[Eternal Flame]

You are never really ready.

Just lucky to be in right dynamic at the right time.

Being single and going into a relationship, has nothing to do with this topic, however I see this is a thing that affects some people here.

Please just be open to a relationship. That is the start.

Stop trying to be perfect before a thing manifests.

[DaneA]

I doubt anyone who has had no significant relationship experience suddenly wakes up to "I'm ready". People have talked to me about this and I've enquired of their history, because most people (not all, obviously) do engage in social encounters at school forming various relationships usually of a transient nature.
Sometimes it resolves as wondering if they're ready for an intimate relationship but they're clouded with apprehension, diffidence, sometimes inhibitions arising from taboos which could have grown through their childhood. Authoritative, religious parents are often the problem. Then again, a young person may rebel and brreak out in the opposite direction.

One problem I find is that a socially inhibited person can build expectations and begin to fear that they won't be met (finding the 'right' person) or meet someone superficially measuring up but disappointing over all.

There are so many variables it's probably best just to get used to meeting people and engaging beyond first impressions. Look for friendships.