Marriage was once a vow of impersonal loyalty and commitment for the sake of family, to uphold social standing or gain personal wealth and inheritances. Today marriage or even some sort of long-term commitment is a far more personal, intimate vow where we don’t believe we need someone to complete us in any way. Instead most of us seek a partner who can be our companion in this journey of life. This shift has also given individuals the power to break off a relationship if they no longer find their own image and values reflected in the other person they are with. “Love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely,” they say and this adage is a clear reflection of the thought of our times. Perhaps that’s why when it comes to a long term relationship so many of us out there with our independent personalities and fulfilling personal/professional lives have different views on being in a committed relationship. But if you’re in a confused space and unsure of whether or not you are relationship ready, here are a few important questions you need to ask yourself, right now.