When it comes to finding a compatible partner, casual dating is an option worth considering. It can be a great way to find someone who shares your values and priorities.
But it is important to remember that casual relationships can be just as complicated and difficult as more traditional ones, so you must make sure your intentions are clear before entering one.
1. Know What You Want
Often, when we’re in the midst of casual dating, it can be hard to figure out what to expect from our partners. This is because there are no set standards and expectations for a casual relationship.
One of the most important things you can do is know what you want from a partner and be open and honest about that with them. This will help you ensure that you’re on the same page with your potential partner and keep both of you safe and happy in your relationship.
This can be a difficult concept to grasp when you’re starting out on the journey of casual dating, but it’s essential for a successful experience. You should also be upfront and honest about your intentions, so that there are no misunderstandings when you’re talking to your potential partner about the next steps in the relationship.
Another thing to be aware of is that it’s normal for relationships to evolve and change over time. That said, it’s also important to be aware of how these changes can impact your casual relationship and your mental health.
If you find yourself feeling intensely jealous when your casual partner is with someone else, this could be a sign that they’re not the right fit for you. If this is a problem for you, it’s probably best to cut ties with your casual partner as soon as possible and look for someone who meets your needs better.
Ghosting is also a common issue with casual partners, so be sure to respectfully break up with your casual partner if you no longer want to see them or communicate with them. According to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, ghosting can have serious implications for your mood and mental health.
2. Be Honest
Casual dating is a term that can get pretty confusing, especially for those who aren’t sure what it really means. Basically, it’s dating outside of a committed relationship (usually not married or engaged), where the two parties agree to be sexually intimate with each other, but without any commitments or demands that come with a serious relationship.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way! The most important thing is that you and your partner establish a mutual understanding of what casual relationships are, according to licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist Dr. Kate Balestrieri.
Another key element to establishing a healthy and functional casual relationship is communicating what you want from the relationship. This can be difficult if you’re not fully aware of what you’re looking for in a partner, but it’s essential if you want to keep the line of communication open and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
It’s also important to discuss boundaries and respect those of your new partner, no matter what kind of relationship you’re in. This includes their wishes on sex and how they would like to handle it, as well as their feelings about intimacy with you.
Getting out of the house and doing something different together is a great way to make a casual date feel more meaningful, but it can also help to set the stage for a romantic connection. This might mean seeing a movie, taking a trip, playing miniature golf or skydiving.
It’s not a good idea to engage in casual activities in your own home, including watching movies on the TV, eating meals in front of the fireplace and nesting in pajamas. These are all things that signal you’re a couple and not just casually dating, says relationship expert Amy Tallon-Hicks.
3. Be Flexible
Casual dating can be an excellent way to meet new people and ease loneliness without feeling the pressure of a serious relationship. It also allows you to learn more about yourself and your needs in a relationship, which can lead to finding someone who’s right for you.
However, there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re casually dating. For starters, be sure to respect your partner’s boundaries. For instance, don’t invite them over to your house unless you’re ready for something more committed.
In addition, be sure to keep an open line of communication with your partner. This will help you both maintain a healthy relationship and stay on the same page.
Another important aspect of casual dating is making sure your partner knows that you are free to date or have sex with other people. Having this information upfront will avoid any issues down the line.
Finally, make sure you are both on the same page about how long you want to be in a casual relationship. Perhaps you’ll only see each other a few nights a month or plan to have dinner just on the weekends.
Researchers have found that some casual relationships eventually turn into committed ones. This is a trend that has been seen throughout history, but it depends on the people involved and how they feel about their relationship.
Overall, the research on casual dating suggests that it can lead to happier and more satisfied couples. It may or may not lead to a higher divorce rate, though, depending on the couple and their relationship style.
4. Be Honest About Yourself
Casual dating is a common way of meeting people for the first time and getting to know them on a more intimate level. While it is a different type of relationship from committed relationships, it can still be just as satisfying for both parties.
But before you jump in headfirst, it’s important to be honest about your preferences and what you want from a partner. Otherwise, you could end up wasting your time and energy on someone who isn’t compatible with your lifestyle or values.
It’s also not a good idea to hide your desires or expectations for casual relationships from the person you’re seeing, says Dr. Balestrieri, a therapist and relationship expert. Keeping a secret will make you seem cold and unreceptive to the other person, which may lead them to believe that you aren’t interested in anything serious.
To avoid this, it’s crucial to be clear about your expectations early on and communicate them with your partner, explains eharmony relationship expert and therapist Minaa B. Be sure to outline exactly what you expect from a casual relationship, including how often you want to spend time with them and whether or not you’re looking for physical intimacy or just friendship.
When you’re in a casual relationship, it’s important to be open and vulnerable about your feelings, especially if your casual partner begins to change. This will help you recognize any changes in your own emotions and keep your relationships dynamic, says Tallon-Hicks.
If you aren’t satisfied with your casual dating experience, it’s OK to let it go. It might mean saying goodbye to the person you’re dating, or it could mean finding someone who is more aligned with your preferences.
5. Be Honest About Your Relationship
Despite the negative connotations of the word, casual dating can be an ideal way to meet someone without committing to a long-term relationship. But it’s important to be honest about your intentions when you’re going out with a potential partner, so you don’t end up hurting them or getting yourself in trouble.
Honesty means sharing your true thoughts and feelings with your partner. This can include big things and small things, but it’s important to always be open with your partner about anything that concerns you.
This will help you build a strong foundation for your relationship and ensure that you’re not hurting them in any way. It also shows that you’re willing to work hard on the relationship, which is vital if you want it to last.
If you’re not honest with your partner, it can cause them to doubt your commitment and love for them. It can also prevent you from feeling comfortable sharing your true emotions with them, which is crucial for building trust.
Lastly, honesty is also essential when it comes to making decisions about your relationship. It can be difficult to make changes when you’re not completely clear about what your intentions are and how you want the relationship to go, but it’s a crucial part of being in a healthy, lasting relationship.
If you’re not open with your partner about your future plans, it can lead to a lot of stress in the relationship. It can also lead to a lot of disappointment, so it’s important to always be honest with your partner about how you want the relationship to proceed.
