Whether you’re looking for love or just a fun way to connect, online casual dating can be a great option. However, finding compatibility isn’t always easy.
A successful casual relationship comes down to communication, honesty, boundaries and respect. If you aren’t sure how to navigate these topics, reach out to a BetterHelp licensed therapist today.
1. Know What You Want
Having strong expectations and a clear vision for what you want from your casual dating relationship can be a big help in finding compatibility. Especially in online dating, where you can meet multiple people at once, knowing what you want from a casual date can give you more control over your dating life.
According to Love Coach Francesca Hogi, it’s important to be honest with yourself about your expectations before committing to anything. “Casual relationships are great because they let you get to know someone without having to commit — but it’s still important to set clear boundaries and expectations in casual dating, as there are many things you can’t do without being committed,” she explains.
If your casual partner is starting to show romantic feelings for you, it’s a good idea to have a chat about what your goals are in the relationship. This can help you decide if you want to take your casual relationship to the next level.
For example, you might be ready to start planning a few weekend dates or to schedule more intimate dates together. You might also be thinking about extending your relationship to include a more serious commitment.
It’s crucial to be honest and upfront about your casual dating intentions, since this can help you avoid misunderstandings in the future. Put it on your profile, mention it in the first few conversations with potential partners, and don’t sugarcoat it or mislead someone who wants something more serious from you.
If you do end up ghosting your casual partners, it’s important to break up kindly and respectfully. This could include sending a text explaining your decision and then meeting up to discuss it in person. It’s also a good idea to not hide your feelings and not ignore their calls or messages if you have to break up with them.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
In an online casual dating relationship, it’s important to not be afraid to ask questions. This will help you to get to know your partner better and determine whether you have compatibility in the long run.
There are many ways to ask these questions, but the key is to have open-ended answers. This will allow you to get to know your date in a way that feels natural and genuine.
It’s also important to ask questions that will let you know if the person is a good fit for your lifestyle. This includes things like the type of food they like to eat, their hobbies and interests, and so much more!
This will help you to find out more about your date before you decide to meet in person. You can also use these questions to help you determine if your date is someone you’d like to keep seeing in the future.
Another great question to ask is “What’s your biggest fear?” This will give you a great idea of how your date perceives the world and how they view their own life. You’ll be able to learn more about how they see themselves in the future and find out if they have any fears that you can work around.
You can also use these questions to find out if they are open to making an emotional connection. If you notice they are uncomfortable with this, then you may want to consider breaking up with them.
You may not be able to control your expectations in an online casual dating relationship, but you can still make sure you’re on the same page by asking questions and establishing clear boundaries. This will help you to avoid misunderstandings in the future and ensure that your relationship is both enjoyable and healthy.
3. Be Honest
If you’re trying to find compatibility in online casual dating, being honest with the person you’re chatting with is an important part of the process. Being open about your goals is also a good way to ensure that you’re not going into any relationship blindly.
Many dating apps are dual-purpose, which means that people can use them for both casual and serious relationships. This is great for those who are looking to date on the go and those who want to focus on finding a committed relationship in the future.
However, some people can have a lot of trouble communicating clearly about their expectations and boundaries when they’re in a casual relationship. This can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings in the long run.
This is especially true if your partner doesn’t understand what you’re looking for and wants to take the relationship further. Honesty can help to avoid any misunderstandings in the first place, but it’s also important to respect your partner’s needs and feelings at all times.
Another important thing to remember is that a casual relationship can still grow into something more serious. Some people who start out as casual daters or friends with benefits may eventually become engaged or married. This can be a positive thing, but it’s also important to be realistic about what you’re looking for and keep your expectations low.
It’s also a good idea to remind your partner that you’re not looking for anything serious or committed, and if they start to get romantic feelings in the future, it’s okay to break things off. If they continue to try and change your mind, this can be a huge turn-off and could result in an unsatisfying experience for both of you.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Communicate
When you’re in a casual relationship, it’s important to communicate clearly. Not only will this keep you from getting hurt, but it’ll also help you avoid misunderstandings that could lead to problems down the road.
In addition, communicating with your partner in a casual dating relationship will help you both learn more about one another and understand what each of you wants from the relationship. This is especially important if you’re still not sure whether or not you want to move into a committed relationship.
You may find yourself in a casual relationship for various reasons. It could be because you’re looking for a no-strings-attached relationship, or it could be because you’re in a situation where you can’t commit to anything serious right now. Regardless of what’s driving you to date casually, communicating your needs and wants is key to making sure the relationship will work for you.
If you’re having trouble communicating with your partner, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist will be able to listen to you and help you figure out what’s going on in your life.
While many people are drawn to the idea of casual relationships, it’s important to remember that they are not a healthy option for everyone. For some, the complexities of a casual relationship are too difficult to deal with and they need a stable and committed relationship.
For others, a casual relationship is the perfect solution because it allows them to experience new people and experiences without committing to anything serious. It’s a great way to find new friendships and hobbies that will enrich their lives. If you’re looking to try a new hobby, or find a new favorite restaurant, a casual date can be a great opportunity to do so!
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Break Up
If you find yourself in a casual relationship that is not working out for either of you, don’t be afraid to break up. This can be a difficult decision, but it should be done kindly and respectfully.
The first thing to consider is whether or not this casual relationship has turned into something more than a friendship. This could happen if one partner is becoming possessive or jealous about the other’s relationships or if both partners are starting to feel more emotionally invested in the relationship than they intended.
Another important consideration is whether or not you can communicate clearly about what you want from your casual relationship. This may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your experience and how things play out.
Many people find that dating casually is a great way to meet new people who share their values and interests. It also allows you to try new things without worrying about being committed.
This is especially helpful if you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to date or you’re trying to avoid having a serious relationship because of health issues. By talking about what you want out of your casual relationship, you can ensure that you’re on the same page and won’t end up in a relationship that doesn’t work for you.
Having a casual relationship can be a great way to meet new people, but it isn’t always a good idea for everyone. For example, it’s not a good idea for someone who has been married or divorced for a long time to date casually. This is because the person who has been through a break up or divorce may not be on the same page as you and might not be ready for a serious relationship.
