When does casual dating cross the line into something more serious? Well, when it comes to defining how long you should wait before hitting that hard launch button, Toronto locals have some strong and varied opinions.
On the latest edition of This is Dating Now, we asked Torontonians just how long they’d be willing to wait for that relationship status upgrade, and they definitely did not hold back their thoughts.
For Dana R., three months is the magic number. She explains that if she feels things aren’t meant to be by then, she prefers to have an honest conversation rather than ghosting or blocking.
“I would have to let them down easily,” she said. “I feel like it’s mature and it should go the same way… I would just talk to them and let them know that it isn’t working out.”
Others are less patient. Holly B. says she’s only willing to wait a month or two at most before calling it quits.
“It’s either you’re together or you’re not, the middleman is just too confusing,” she said bluntly.
“Lock it down or leave!”
Local resident Spencer W. takes a bit more time, suggesting four months is enough to figure out if the relationship has long-term potential.
“I want to make sure that I’m happy and that they have the same values as myself,” he explained.
Spencer also says he believes in keeping things respectful regardless of the outcome.
“I’m a very firm believer that you are able to have healthy friendships after a relationship,” he shared.
However, Sofia S. is quick to set boundaries and is even quicker to cut ties if need be.
“A week,” she said plainly. “If you’re a lesbian, the first date is a week long. If it’s not official, yeah, blocked immediately, for sure.”
Meanwhile, Mikiah L. said she feels generous, giving things between four-to-five months before ending things for good. Prior to the beginning of the end, she admits that she’d give a potential boo one last chance to get on the same page.
“I’m thinking I hit them with a mature conversation, like, what are you doing? Where are we going with this?,” she explained. “And then after that, they’re getting blocked or dumped.”
Kayla W. echoed a similar sentiment, agreeing that around four or five months is her limit. She admits she doesn’t have the heart to just walk away from a partner without clear communication.
“I think I’d be way too in it to just leave,” she said. “I would just try and talk to them, but if they’re not acting up, I’m out. Simple as that.”
Across all of these voices, one thing is clear: Torontonians want honesty and communication.
Whether you’re ready to commit after a week or willing to wait almost half a year, it’s fair to say that everyone agrees that hanging in limbo isn’t the way to go. So, how long would you wait before making it official?
Want to share your own story for a future edition of This is Dating Now? Email your dating chronicles to news@nowtoronto.com.
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