Cupid's Pulse Article: Chad Michael Murray Opens Up About Dating Nicky WhelanCupid's Pulse Article: Chad Michael Murray Opens Up About Dating Nicky Whelan

By Whitney Johnson

Well, that was certainly fast! Only a month after ending his seven-year engagement, Chad Michael Murray has found a girlfriend in Australian actress Nicky Whelan. The actor, who met his former fiancée Kenzie Dalton on the set of One Tree Hill, is starring in the upcoming film Left Behind with his new leading lady. Confirming their relationship, Murray tweeted a picture of the twosome kissing and captioned it, “I am a lucky lucky man. Blessed to feel the way I do with @NickyWhelan! I hope each of u feels the same in ur world!” According to People.com, the couple was also spotted at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles.

How do you know when to go public with your relationship?

Cupid’s Advice:

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new love, but if you rush into something serious before you’re ready, you may never reach your full potential as a couple. Keep the three points below in mind  before taking your relationship public:

1. It’s more than a fling: You don’t need to decide if your partner is soul mate material or not, but it’s important that you feel confident that it’s a long-term relationship. You don’t want to introduce your friends and family to someone who’s not going to be around by Thanksgiving.

2. You want to share your love: Consider why you want to go public with your relationship. If it’s because you want your loved ones to know how happy and fulfilled you are because of your significant other, it’s time to introduce them. If it’s because you feel pressure to be dating someone or you want to get revenge on an ex, you should rethink your motives — and your relationship.

3. You’ve talked to your partner: Before you shout your feelings from the rooftops, be sure that you and your beau are on the same page. He may not be ready to be exclusive or meet your parents, and it’s important that you respect him. Taking a big step in your relationship is much more fun if you do it as a team.

How do you know when to go public with your relationship? Tell us in the comments below!