When looking for love, it’s important to pay attention to red flags – reasons why a particular date or partner may not be a healthy choice – but it’s just as vital to keep an eye out for dating green flags – for signs that your date is a great fit and, potentially, a wonderful partner.

Time is of the essence, so the saying goes, and when we’re single and looking for love, it’s only natural to want to make things happen. But how do we know when it's the right time to date? Or to progress a budding relationship to the next stage? Here are three questions to ask yourself that will help you to know if you’re rushing in before you’re ready, or if you’re procrastinating because you’re afraid.

Do you know where you’re heading? Do you know what you’d like your future to look like, what shape you’d like your life to take? Clarifying your hopes and dreams for the coming years is a key step as you look for love and consider committing to a relationship, while dating with the future in mind will ensure you choose someone with whom you are aligned. Taking time now to become clear on your dreams and work out what questions you might want to ask potential partners will set you on the right track for the future.