Knowing how much time to invest in someone before expecting certain milestones can help you avoid wasting precious years on relationships going nowhere. Dating coach Anwar White recently shared some essential timelines every woman should be aware of when navigating relationships.
Many Black women have been conditioned to be overly patient in relationships or have been told to “wait it out” while a man figures himself out. However, Whiteâs advice encourages women to flip that narrative. Itâs about reclaiming your time and energy.
While society often portrays Black women as needing to compromise or settle, setting clear expectations in relationships is an act of self-love. Every woman deserves a partner who knows what they want and is prepared to take action. Ensure that youâre not spending your valuable years with someone who isnât serious about a future with you. White’s dating timeline is empowering and offers clarity and direction in a dating world that can sometimes feel uncertain.
“If He Hasnât Asked You Out Within a WeekâDrop It”
Whiteâs first piece of advice is simple. If a man hasn’t asked you out within a week of initial contact, then itâs time to let it go. While this may seem like a short window, it highlights the importance of a manâs decisiveness. A man whoâs genuinely interested wonât hesitate to make the first move.
Women sometimes rationalize delays by thinking heâs shy, busy or unsure. However, White emphasizes that a man who is genuinely serious about pursuing you will act quickly. A week is enough time for him to express interest and initiate a plan. If heâs dragging his feet or giving you excuses, itâs a clear sign that his intentions arenât strong enough.
“If Youâre Not in a Committed Relationship Within 2.5 to 3 MonthsâDrop It”
White recommends that women expect a commitment within 2.5 to 3 months of consistent dating. If youâre still unsure about your relationship status after that period, then he says that itâs a red flag. Some people may argue that every relationship moves at its own pace, but White pushes back on this notion.
Men, he asserts, know early on whether they want to pursue something serious with a woman. By the 3-month mark, if the man youâre seeing hasnât made you his girlfriend, itâs time to reevaluate. This is about setting boundaries and protecting your emotional energy. Dragging things out for months or years without a clear commitment can lead to heartbreak.
If a man isnât ready to commit after spending a significant amount of time with you, chances are he wonât commit in the future. Walking away might feel difficult, but doing so makes room for someone new.
“If Youâre Not Engaged or Married Within Two YearsâDrop It”
Whiteâs final milestone is the belief that a proposal or marriage should be within two years of committing to a relationship. He acknowledges that this might feel like a personal or age-dependent issue for some women, especially those in their mid-to-late 20s who may still be exploring their career or financial stability. However, the essence of his message is that a man knows whether he wants to marry you within two years.
Two years might feel like a reasonable amount of time for both partners to get to know each other. The two can grow together and assess their compatibility in different situations. If marriage or engagement hasnât been discussed or planned, then it can be an indicator that the relationship is not progressing. White also stresses that men begin saving for a ring within six months if theyâre serious about taking that next step. Knowing this makes the two-year mark even more reasonable because heâs likely planning behind the scenes.
The key here is balance. While love is an important part of marriage, being practical about timelines prevents you from staying in a relationship that doesn’t align with your ultimate goals. If youâre ready for marriage and your partner is not, that can become a source of tension. Walking away from a relationship after two years may seem daunting, but it’s a step toward your future.