With women singing the popular song by Beyonce, “If you liked it then you should’ve put a ring on it,” it raises the question that a lot of women discuss today. “How long should a woman wait for a ring?” Should a woman really put a time limit on love? And, does love at first sight really exist?

Most relationships go through many stages. First, it’s the “getting to know you stage,” then it’s the “exclusive stage.” Finally the “Ok, where is this going stage?”

The “getting to know you” stage is when everything seems to be going just right. You always hang out together, laugh, go on many dates and it just seems as if nothing could possibly go wrong. You are just enjoying the moment of having met someone that you actually like. You may even ask yourself, “Could this be the one?” You spend countless hours on the phone talking to each other about nothing. He sends you flowers and gifts for no reason at all. He calls or texts you just to let you know that he is thinking about you and that he can’t get you off his mind.

The “exclusive stage” is a little different. At this point you know each other pretty well. Well, at least you think you know each other. You have either agreed verbally or otherwise that you exclusively dating. You may even refer to your other as “my man, boyfriend, or special friend.” He may even refer to you as. “my girl, girlfriend, or special friend.” You would be very upset at this point if you found out that he was seeing or communicating with someone else.

Finally is the “Ok, where is this going stage?” This is when a woman is ready for a full commitment. She wants his full, undivided attention and wants it to be known that she is the only one. She may even be hearing wedding bells and may be deciding on a princess, solitaire or emerald cut diamond.

These stages can range anywhere from a few weeks, to several years. The question is, how long should a women wait?

Communication is very important from the very beginning until the end. Find out if you are on the same page. He may be someone who never wants to get married. In this case you will not be able to change his mind. A lot of times you will be able to pick up on how a man is feeling by his actions. Just be sure to pay attention.

Does he bring you around his family and friends? Are your families similar? Do you share the same family values, same religions and educational backgrounds? If not, it may be more difficult to have a future together.

As with any relationship try to keep it fresh and vibrant! Try to bring positive attributes to the relationship. Above all, be yourself. If he can’t love you for who you really are, there is always someone who will!