How to tell if your relationship is on track

Three important milestones seem to take place at the six month mark. Photo / Getty

From your first date to your first kiss, relationships are often seen as being solidified by a series of milestones.

For many of us, asking a coupled-up friend how long they waited before making another move with a new partner is common practice.

So when is the "right" time to take the next step with your new squeeze? A new survey may answer those questions once and for all.

Results from more than 2,000 men and women have mapped out the journey of an average long-term relationship, from the first time holding hands to having a child.

According to the UK-based research complied by dating service match.com, saying "I love you" generally takes place after around five months of dating.

When it comes to kissing and holding hands, it seems to take longer for the latter, with 31 per cent claiming they would like to kiss their date right away, but wait one to two weeks before holding hands.

Over a quarter of the group reportedly also waited one to two weeks before sleeping with their new partner while 23 per cent waited a full month.

The study also looked into the six month mark, noting three important milestones that seem to take place at this time: The first argument, revealing each other's imperfections and making introductions to parents.

Reaching the half-year point, couples then tended to embark on time away together, taking a holiday or spending a night out of town.

Over a quarter of those surveyed said they would wait six months before leaving a toothbrush at their partner's house.

When it came to making the relationship "Facebook official", five months tended to be the approximate time frame for a couple's status update.

Taking things long-term, 33 per cent reportedly had their first conversation about a shared future within a year, while big commitment milestones such as engagement came at around the two year mark.

Looking at age and love, the research found 27 was the average age daters met their life partners, with women tending to meet "The One" at the age of 25 and men at 28.

- nzherald.co.nz