How to Know When to Change Facebook Status From Single to In a Relationship

To update, or not to update? That is the question.

As if the infamous "Define The Relationship Talk" weren't enough, Facebook has added another layer of complication to the world of modern dating: the "Relationship Status" dropdown menu. Now, not only are we pressured to figure out for ourselves where we stand with our sweethearts, we are expected to declare it online as well. Follow these tips to ensure that your transition from "Single" to "In a Relationship" is a smooth one.

Instructions

1. Hold back. Don't change your relationship status after the first date, the first kiss or even the first declaration of "I love you." Give the relationship time to grow on its own before shoving it into a tidy checkbox category.

2. Consider what your "flesh and blood" friends would say. Do your "real world" friends consider you and your sweetheart a couple? Would they respond to your change in Relationship Status with a comment along the lines of: "What took you so long?" Would they consider the announcement old news? If the answer is "yes," then go ahead and move forward.

3. Talk about it. There is always that old-fashioned, face-to-face communication thing in which you have a conversation with your sweetheart about whether or not you are ready to announce your status on Facebook.

4. Understand the perils of posting. Changing your Relationship Status is likely to land you with a wall of graffiti. You may love it when that status change is for the better, but while you may be very much in love today, one day you may very much not be. When that status change moves in the opposite direction, you may not be as excited to hear from the world.

5. Respect your sweetheart's desires. Just because you cannot wait to broadcast your relationship from the rooftops (or, in this case, from your laptop) doesn't mean your love interest will feel the same. And just because he or she doesn't feel the same doesn't mean he/she isn't that into you. Maybe your sweetie has a lower comfort level than you when it comes to online social networking.

6. Keep mum. Because in reality, does it really matter what your Facebook profile says? On that scroll down menu, the first option is blank, which means essentially, "None of your business."

7. All of this is moot, of course, if your sweetheart isn't on Facebook and never looks at your profile. If this is the case, go ahead and do whatever you want!

Tips & Warnings

• If you change your Relationship Status too early, you could send your love interest running for the hills. Remember, there is something to be said for remaining (at least a small) mystery.

• If you don't use the words "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" freely while interacting in the real world, then it's probably not a good idea to change your Relationship Status.

• Do not touch your Relationship Status after you've been drinking, fighting or having sex. During these times you're definitely too emotional to make a clear-headed decision.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish