Maturation of Relationships

I. If a couple are going out, are they usually allowed to go on dates with other people
outside their relationship? Does going out presume mutual exclusivity?

II. Why do some couples go out for moths, or even years, without anyone in the
relationship saying ‘I love you’ to the other person? Is the declaration of love too
hard or unnecessary to make?

III. Why do a lot of people feel the need to “move their relationship forward” after
months or years of just going out? What should this next stage be:

• Exchanging the keys to their apartments/homes?

• Sending out pictures of them together as holiday cards?
• Something other

Arrange the above points in their logical order assuming they should progress from the least
to the most serious and meaningful development in a relationship.
1. How did Ross feel after finally opening up his heart to Mona?

2. Why was Chandler glad not to live a life of a free man without any
commitments, the way his boss did?