There’s a lot of conflicting advice when it comes to dating, and men are especially susceptible to a bit of misinformation. That’s why we’ve put together this article, with the help of professional dating coaches.
Casual dating is often confused with friends with benefits (FWB). But there are a few important differences between the two.
1. Be yourself
When you’re casually dating, it’s important to be yourself. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but this is one of the keys to success. Being yourself can help you avoid drama and keep the relationship focused on a mutual attraction.
Being yourself can also help you avoid getting into a casual relationship that you don’t want. For instance, if you’re looking for someone to date casually but find yourself catching feelings, it’s important to communicate that with your partner.
This can be difficult, but it’s essential for your health and happiness. It also helps you avoid hurt feelings if the person you’re casually dating starts to get more emotionally attached to you, and it can help you maintain your sense of self-worth.
You should also make sure that you’re on the same page about what the casual relationship is, and that your expectations and boundaries are clear and in place. That can help you avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings, according to Yana Tallon-Hicks, couples and relationships therapist at Lovehoney.
It can also help you avoid getting into a relationship that you don’t want, especially if the person you’re dating is looking for something more serious. For example, if they’re interested in getting married or if they don’t like the idea of having children, you should explain that you’re only looking for casual dating and that you don’t want to be committed.
If you’re still unsure about whether casual dating is for you, it’s important to remember that it can be a great way to meet new people and test the waters of romance. It can also be a good way to learn more about yourself, which can lead to a more meaningful relationship in the future.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask her out
Casual dating is an ideal way to meet someone and get to know them without the pressure of commitment. It’s also a great way to find out if you have a connection that could potentially lead to something more serious in the future.
However, just because you’re in a casual relationship doesn’t mean that you don’t have to communicate clearly with your partner about what you want from them. As Battle and Henry advise, you need to set clear boundaries to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts down the line.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that your casual relationship shouldn’t become emotionally dependent on either of you. Don’t expect them to pick you up from work, drive you to and from your appointments, or even help you with your homework.
Rather, your casual partner should be able to see that you aren’t going to be a part of their life for a long time. You should also be able to end it cleanly, without any drama or feelings getting hurt in the process.
One thing that a lot of guys do when they’re casually dating is to start a conversation by complimenting her appearance. But this isn’t always the best way to go about it.
You should try to compliment her for her personality and intelligence instead. That way, she’ll have a deeper connection with you.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask her out on a date when you think she might be interested. This is one of the most nerve-wracking things you can do, but it’s a good way to test out your relationship skills and see if she’s actually into you.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for her number
Casual dating can be a great way to meet new people and try out the whole relationship thing before making a commitment. However, it can also be scary for some people.
If you’re not sure whether casual dating is right for you, it’s important to ask yourself what your needs are when it comes to a relationship. If it doesn’t seem to meet those needs, then you might want to consider moving on.
Alternatively, you might find that casual dating makes you happy and fulfills your desire to date. This might be especially true for people who haven’t had much success with a romantic relationship in the past or for those who are interested in experiencing more intimacy and spending time together without getting committed to someone.
It’s a good idea to make some rules for your casual dating so that it doesn’t become too serious or tense. For example, decide how long you’ll see each other and what will happen if one of you meets someone else.
Another good rule to follow is not to talk about the future with your casual partner. If they do, it could be a sign that you’re planning to start a more serious relationship in the future or are trying to push them away.
Finally, it’s important to discuss your sexual preferences with your casual partner so that you can both be comfortable. Some people are fine with a casual relationship that does not involve sex while others may prefer it to include heavy make-out sessions.
When it comes to casual dating, it’s important to be yourself and let go of any resentment you might have towards being single. It’s also important to be honest with yourself and communicate your needs so that you can find the right person for you.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for her number again
If you’ve been talking to a girl for a while and she shows some interest in you, don’t be afraid to ask her for her number again. However, make sure that you’re not doing it too soon. This is because she may not be ready to start texting you yet, and asking for her number too early could be a waste of time.
A casual relationship can be a great way to meet new people and expose yourself to different experiences. It can also help you learn about what you like and don’t like, and how to approach your dating life moving forward.
It’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner about whether or not a casual relationship is right for you. If you’re not feeling comfortable with it, it may be time to reassess your options, advises clinical sexologist Lucy Rowett.
In addition, it’s important to have conversations with your casual partner about their expectations and boundaries in the relationship. This will ensure that both of you are getting what you want and need, says Tallon-Hicks.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to end a casual relationship with compassion and grace. This is especially true if the person you’re seeing doesn’t feel the same way about you as you do.
Embracing a casual relationship can be a great way to break down limiting beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your dating goals. If you find that you’re unable to move forward with this type of dating, it may be time to speak to a mental health professional or counselor about reassessing your mindset.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for her number again
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, you should always ask for her number when the moment is right. This is especially true if you’ve been talking to her for a while and feel like she’s getting to know you better.
The best way to do this is to make sure you’re being confident enough to ask her for her number without making it a big deal. You should also avoid asking her for her number in the first few minutes of a conversation, as this can seem a bit stalkerish and can put her off.
You should also be careful not to get too excited when she gives you her number – that will make it seem as though you’re begging for it and that she’s being a jerk. You should also wait to text her until after she’s given you her number – this will build some anticipation for her and will make it less likely that she’ll decline your offer when she’s not in the mood.
It’s a good idea to take the time to think about whether casual dating is what you really want, as this will help you set realistic expectations and make sure you aren’t getting hurt. You should also be aware that some people may try to take a casual relationship too far and change your mind, so it’s important to make sure you are clear about your boundaries.
