In what direction should I take this relationship?

XIII Death

Something fundamental in the way your relationship works is about
to change. Maybe it’s a higher level of commitment? Maybe it’s an external
stressor that has changed the ways things have been. I have been married for twenty-five
years and I can tell you this: People do change. In a long standing
relationship people are gonna change at least a half dozen times, and not
always at the same time. When this happens, you’re gonna have to find out if
the new you is still love with the new them. If you figure it out, you’re one
of the lucky ones.