10 Bases in a Relationship—The Different Bases in Relationship for Happily-Ever-After

Love is a complex journey. Many spend years searching for it, only to find it when they least expect it. It’s fascinating to watch how relationships unfold and how two people grow together over time.

What should you know about the concept of the “bases” of a relationship? What are the bases in a relationship? 

Today, I want to explore and define the bases in a relationship for you to help you be more educated on how healthy dating works.

Let’s Quickly Look at the Most Common Questions:

• What Do the Bases Mean in a Relationship?—In a relationship, “the bases” describe the level of physical and emotional intimacy between partners.
• How Many Bases Are There in a Relationship?—There are generally four bases in the relationship, but I will talk about an extensive 10-bases list.
• What Are the Sexual Bases in a Relationship?—They are kissing, touching, and penetrating.
• What Do the Bases Represent in a Relationship?—The bases represent different levels of physical and emotional intimacy that a couple might progress through as their relationship develops.

Comment on the Concept of Bases in a Relationship from a Dating Coach Mai Lee

First, before answering the question, “what are all the bases in a relationship?” I want you to understand the concept of these bases. For this, check the commentary from one of my colleagues, Name: 

The “bases” of dating might sound like casual slang, often used to describe various stages of physical intimacy, but there’s more to it than just “scoring” sexually. True romantic intimacy is about finding someone you respect and who values you in return. It’s not just about physical encounters; it’s about exploring deep connections with someone you trust and understand.

Romantic intimacy encompasses everything from the early “talking phase” to more visible signs of affection, such as holding hands and kissing. Kohlhaas delves into the bases of dating with a focus on both the emotional and physical aspects of relationships, providing a broader perspective on what it means to grow closer to someone.

Now, Let’s Talk About Mysterious 10 Bases in a Relationship

So, what are the different bases in a relationship? 

I want to start with the first 4 bases in a relationship, which I unite into one group—Initial or Friend-Like Bases. All these bases apply for both local romance and dating someone in a different country.

4 Friend-Like Bases of Relationship

1. First base: You develop trust  

Right off the bat, when you meet someone new, the first base is all about getting to know each other and building trust. This might involve sharing quirky stories about your exes or embarrassing childhood moments. It’s crucial at this stage to discuss life goals and future plans to see if your values align, setting the stage for deeper trust and openness.

2. Second base: You support each other 

Once trust is established, you move into a phase where support becomes paramount. Being there for each other during tough times, whether it’s offering a shoulder to cry on or just being a supportive presence, strengthens the bond.

3. Third base: You become friends  

Attraction might spark a relationship, but friendship sustains it. This base involves sharing hobbies, preferences, and spending more time together. It’s about connecting as friends who care about each other’s interests and well-being.

4. Fourth base: You talk about your insecurities 

This emotionally charged stage is where you truly open up, sharing insecurities and vulnerabilities. It’s about creating a safe space where fears and flaws aren’t just revealed but accepted.

Next Important Base of Your Journey Is a Physical Touch—One of the Main Bases in a Relationship

• Fifth base: You get physically close

With a strong emotional foundation, the relationship might naturally progress to exploring physical intimacy. This stage emphasizes consent and comfort, ensuring both partners feel ready to take this step.

First Problems and Boundaries

Yes, the next 2 bases of relationship are not the most pleasant, but dealing with them will help you build a really strong union.

• Sixth base: You deal with disagreements

A strong relationship isn’t free from conflict; what matters is how you handle it. This base focuses on navigating disagreements constructively, ensuring both partners’ voices are heard and valued.

• Seventh base: You set honest boundaries

Personal space is crucial even in close relationships. Discussing and respecting each other’s boundaries ensures that both partners enjoy individuality without feeling restricted.

Relationships Bases of Future and Growth

After overcoming all the bases in a relationship I mentioned above, a serious dating comes into play. 

• Eighth Base: You plan your future together

Couples who see a long-term future together use this base to align their visions of life, discussing significant steps like engagement, marriage, or family planning.

• Ninth base: You grow together but independently

Encouraging each other to pursue personal goals and hobbies outside the relationship keeps the partnership fresh and respectful of individual aspirations.

What Is the Last Point in the List of Bases in a Relationship? 

Facing life’s challenges together. Reaching this base means you’ve built a partnership capable of withstanding life’s ups and downs. It’s about supporting each other through thick and thin, embodying the essence of true companionship.

What Are the Sexual Bases in a Relationship and Do They Really Exist? 

I would add 3 bases in a relationship, specially designed for the title “Physical.” Physical contact is not only about sex, and sex is not what starts physical relationships between people. 

1. First base: Kissing and making out, which typically includes mouth-to-mouth kissing and can also involve kissing of the neck and other parts of the body.
2. Second base: Heavy petting above the waist, touching and fondling each other’s upper body, and possibly under the clothes.
3. Third base: More intimate touching, involving the genitals or breasts, which then lead to a “home run”—sexual contact.

Can You Skip Certain Bases in a Relationship, and Is It Good? Dating Coach, Richard Mendelson, Explains 

Skipping bases in a relationship isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s about what feels right for the people involved. To some extent, it’s good. If skipping certain steps makes both partners more comfortable, it can lead to a more satisfying and stress-free relationship. Also, skipping bases allows couples to tailor their relationship progression to fit their unique dynamic, needs, and comfort levels, rather than feeling pressured to conform to societal standards.

However, I want to focus on the drawbacks of such a decision. If not properly communicated, skipping the different bases in a relationship might lead to misaligned expectations, where one partner might feel rushed or another might feel held back. And needless to say, some relationships benefit from a slower pace, where each step of physical and emotional intimacy helps in gradually building trust.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you can answer the questions, “what are all of the bases in a relationship?” and “what do all the bases mean in a relationship?”, and are better equipped to assess the current stage of your own relationship.

Moreover, understanding these stages allows you to foresee the potential next steps in your relationship’s progression. Use this knowledge to deepen your comprehension of both your partner’s needs and the dynamics of your relationship as this understanding can serve as a valuable tool in strengthening your connection.