What does 'exclusive' mean and how is different to being in a relationship?

Last night’s Love Island saw Kyler take another step forward in their relationship, as Tyler asked Kaz a significant question on very the spot where they shared their first kiss.

No, they aren’t getting married, and, as far as we viewers are aware, they’re not calling each other ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend’, but they are ‘exclusive’, with Tyler holding up a series of towels on which he’d written the words: ‘Shall we be exclusive?’ 

Kaz looked positively gassed to be asked and said ‘yes’ with a huge smile on her face, but some viewers have been left baffled by the concept of being exclusive without being in a relationship.

It’s a valid question, what with arguably the main criteria for getting into a monogamous relationship being exclusivity.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5video

So what exactly is the difference between being exclusive and being in a relationship?

Hayley says taking the latter step indicates more of an intention to be together long-term, adding: ‘This is also around the time where you may find your lives become more intertwined, meaning you might meet their families, friends, and someone will refer to you as their boyfriend or girlfriend in public.’

In the end, every couple is different, and if you and your partner feel comfortable with the ‘relationship’ label sooner rather than later, then you might not feel the need to have the ‘exclusivity’ conversation at all.

After all, for couples who are consensually non-monogamous, exclusivity may never be a factor.

The most important thing to remember is to just do you.

Hayley says: ‘As your relationship grows, take time to get to know your partner and let the process unfold organically.

‘Remember, keep true to yourself within this stage of the relationship while you’re figuring each other out and make the next steps in your own time, at a pace that feels most comfortable.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Rush Hour Crush – love (well, lust) is all around us

Visit Metro’s Rush Hour Crush online every weekday at 4:30pm.

Tell us about your Rush Hour Crush by submitting them here, and you could see your message published on the site.

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post What causes oily skin and how to prevent it
Next post Esther Dingley fell 100ft to her death after slipping on rocky ledge in worn hiking shoes, cops believe