In honor of Valentine's Day, love and relationships is the subject. The dating scene is a tricky one these days. You can be stuck in the "talking" stage forever if you let yourself be. That stage is the worst. You don't know if you are a friend, "friends-with-benefit" or just being used. That's why there are certain questions that people who are stuck in the "talking" stage of a relationship need to ask one another to begin dating.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question gets the ball rolling when you're trying to figure out if a relationship is even in the other person plans or if they want one. It also allows you to see if you both are going in the same direction in life so you can know if a relationship is capable in the future. This question also allows you to see if you have more commonalities with the person, while also getting to know the goals for the future.

Should we go on a date?

This question is so important to establish if two people are dating or are just hanging out with friends. Because you can ask a person to a movie and they can take that as not a date but as going to a movie with a friend. So get the gull ask each other on a date if you want to take it to the dating level.

Come meet my friends and family?

Meeting their parents and close friends show the other person that you are taking them seriously. Also, it lets the other person know that you are potentially in it for the long haul and not just another fling.

Am I the only one you are “talking” too?

Seriously, ask each other! Don’t be afraid to be honest, if you aren’t the only person they are talking to you after “talking” for a long time, it's you two most likely won’t be getting into a relationship anytime soon. You can either cut your losses or push for them to decide between you or others.

Where do you see this going?

Sometimes you just have to be straight forward about your intentions. If the other person doesn’t want a future, then you are able to cut your losses and stop wasting your time. If the other person wants a future, then take your shot and make something of it! But there will be people who will tell you that they don’t know what they want. Well, my advice is to give them an ultimatum so they have to take or leave it.

Will you be my girlfriend/boyfriend?

People forget that you can’t be a couple until you ask or at least D.T.R. (determine the relationship). Two people aren’t a couple until they decide that they are. Asking this question allows the other to decide if they want a relationship while also allowing each person to express their feeling for one another.

So for your Valentine’s Day plans this year take your “talking” stage to the next level and D.T.R. with your significant other. You won’t know what you two will be until you take a chance!