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I have had a female Pearl Gourami for about two months. She has been generally peaceful, though she does occasionally chase my two angel fish. She doesn't seem to harm them though.

This past week we added what we believe and hope is a male Pearl (The dorsal fin is proportionally, considerably longer to the body than on the female). Almost from the beginning, the female started constantly chasing the male. However, it did not look as though she was trying to harm him. When she caught him, she would gently place her mouth on his side. She never seemed to nip at the tail or fins. I turned the light out on the tank and the next day, when I turned the light on they were swimming with each other, investigating each other with their feelers.

The female still chases the male. However, now, when she catches him, she leans into him and encourages him to press his mouth against her side. Is this some kind of mating ritual or is this just their way of getting to know each other? I'm not really concerned that the female will hurt the male since she doesn't seem to be attacking him, but I am afraid she may eventually wear him down to the point he gets sick. However, he does seem to be eating well.

The angel fish are certainly happy the female has found a new interest.

First, ddn't look at the lenght of the fin(although that will eventually be longer on males) so much as the tip of it..in males it is pointed, in females it is rounded.
Have had lotsa Pearls and they are very docile Gouramies, unlike some other types.. Maybe just establishing a pecking order..maybe they are getting "friendly"..I haven't bred Pearls before so I can't say how that behaviour goes.

I'm still guessing it is a male. Besides the fin being longer, it is also more pointed, as you suggest. I also noticed that it has much more red coloring in the neck and chin region.

The female still chases the male, but not as much now. When I first turn the tank light on in the morning, the two are right with each other. The also insist on being right next to each other when eating.

As they mature the males do get that really nice red coloring..also with a good light the bottom of both male and female Pearls is reallly iridescent looking I have found now that I have some in my 20 gal planted tank.
Sounds like they are in love to me

When mine bred, this was the behaviour that they showed just prior to building the nest. They may not be breeding so quickly but it may be her 'checking if he's worth it'. Good luck

Thanks for all of the advice. Apparently he does fit the bill. She is no longer chasing him and they now seem inseparable.