Relationship Escalator

The relationship escalator is a normalized tendency to move a relationship to more intimate stages over time.

In the standard narrative, the steps in the escalator often look like:

1. Casually dating
2. Exclusive dating
3. Moving in together
4. Getting married
5. Having a kid

Polyamorous relationships tend to break free of the mold of the standard narrative, and may or may not have their own escalation steps.

It's important to discuss your wants and needs with your partner. If partners are misaligned on their escalation steps (or if they even want to escalate), it spells trouble in the future.