If you’re a woman looking to date casually, you might be wondering how to navigate this type of relationship. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make it work.
One of the best things about casual dating is that it can help you get more out of life without committing to a long-term relationship. And it can also help you figure out what kind of partner you want to find in the future.
1. Don’t Overthink It
Whether you’re a seasoned casual dating pro or just beginning your quest for love, there are certain tips and tricks that you should always keep in mind when it comes to this type of relationship. While these tips won’t guarantee you a happy and healthy relationship, they can help ensure that the person you are dating is treating you with the respect and courtesy that you deserve.
1. Never Overthink It
When it comes to dating, it’s easy to get caught up in the nitty gritty details of the relationship. Whether you’re wondering what it will be like to be with someone for the rest of your life or you want to make sure that you’re getting a good start on things, overthinking can quickly become an overwhelming and exhausting task.
But if you can learn to stop overthinking and simply enjoy your time with the person you are casually dating, you’ll find that it becomes so much easier! It will also help you to avoid developing an attachment and getting sucked into the drama that often goes with this type of relationship.
2. Talk to Your Partner about Their Expectations
Ideally, you two agreed on what you wanted from the relationship before you started dating, so be sure that your expectations and boundaries are clearly laid out from the beginning. Keeping these conversations regular is key for making sure that you’re both on the same page, explains Dr. Tallon-Hicks.
3. Don’t Let People Associate You With A Relationship
It is common for casual dating couples to get stuck in a rut when it comes to social events and interactions. Whether it’s work events, weddings, or family get-togethers, it can be easy to become associated with your casual date when they show up. This can really confuse them and put a lot of pressure on the relationship, which can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
4. Embrace Change
Finally, it’s important to accept and acknowledge any changes that occur in yourself or the other person. This will help you to avoid becoming too attached and creating a false sense of security in the relationship that no one deserves, says Tallon-Hicks.
2. Don’t Get Attached
When you’re dating casually, it’s important to keep your emotions in check. This will ensure that you don’t feel too attached to your date and miss out on potential love.
It’s also important to know when you should get serious about a person. You don’t want to go into a relationship with someone who isn’t ready for it yet.
The key is to figure out what triggers your feelings in the first place, and then consciously choose to keep them under control. This might mean avoiding things like going on dates that make you incredibly intimate or celebrating holidays together, according to April Masini, a relationship expert.
You’ll also want to avoid rushing into anything that seems too serious, like planning a date six days before the actual date. This can send the wrong message to your date, and it might indicate that you aren’t thinking of casual dating as just a temporary thing.
Another way to avoid getting too attached is to be incredibly honest with your casual partner about what you’re looking for in a relationship. This is a great opportunity to see if the other person is also seeking a casual relationship, or if they’re just using you until they meet someone better.
If they’re not, it might be best to end the relationship. This isn’t always easy, but it’s a smart move to make in order to avoid ending up with someone who doesn’t want a long-term commitment.
Lastly, it’s also important to avoid being possessive and jealous when you are dating casually. This can be a huge turnoff for some people and can lead to them catching feelings for you too quickly, says Kaplan.
In some cases, this can even be a sign that your casual partner is falling in love with you. However, it’s important to remember that this can only happen if you have been open and vulnerable about what you’re looking for in sex.
This is also why it’s so important to text and call your casual dating partner with a purpose. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should send them a bunch of texts about the things you have going on in your life, but it could be an opportunity to send an inside joke or let them know that you’re thinking about them.
3. Don’t Ditch Your Friends
If you’re dating casually, it can be easy to get caught up in the thrill of the experience and forget about your feelings. That’s why it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether or not you want a relationship with this person. It’s also crucial to be open about your own desires and boundaries.
According to Yana Tallon-Hicks, couples and relationships therapist and author of Hot and Unbothered: How to Think About, Talk About, and Have the Sex You Really Want, it’s important to talk about your boundaries when dating casually, as well as what you want from the relationship. This can help both parties understand each other’s expectations and ensure that the relationship runs smoothly and successfully, she says.
One of the biggest reasons people choose to date casually is because they’re looking for a way to spend their free time without feeling pressured to meet sex goals, says certified relationship coach and matchmaker Dr. Casandra Henriquez.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on dates and engage in similar activities with your casual partner, she adds. As long as you’re aware that there is no commitment to this person, there shouldn’t be any jealousy from your friends or family.
The other key to navigating a casual relationship is ensuring that you aren’t sacrificing your friendships. While you may be tempted to let your FWB take control of the friendship, that can lead to conflicts. It’s also important to keep in mind that if your friend starts to feel romantically attached to you, it may be a sign that they need to have a conversation with you about their feelings and see what the situation means for them.
Similarly, if your casual partner starts to feel uncomfortable or awkward after a few dates, it’s important to have a conversation with them about why they might be feeling that way. While it’s tempting to brush off these emotions, they should be addressed respectfully and not ignored, says relationship therapist Laura Balestrieri.
As a final note, it’s important to never ghost your friends when you’re in a casual relationship. According to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, this behavior can lead to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and unhappiness. It’s also not the best thing for your relationship, so be sure to communicate if you’re not interested in hanging out with them anymore, and always break up in a kindly and respectful manner.
4. Don’t Overcommit
When you’re casual dating, it’s important to not take things too seriously. If you’re constantly comparing your casual relationship to an actual romantic one, it can become difficult for you and your partner to stay on track.
It’s also a good idea to avoid talking about your future plans. You and your casual date should always live in the moment, but keeping expectations low is a smart way to ensure that both of you are getting what you want out of your relationship.
You should also keep an eye on how much time you spend together. This can help you determine whether or not the relationship is growing and becoming serious.
Another important factor to consider is exclusivity. If you’re planning to only see your casual date on certain days, make sure that they’re okay with this.
This is especially important if you’re sexually active with each other. It can be hurtful to find out that your casual date has been having sex with other people.
If you’re not sure about your casual partner’s feelings, it’s a good idea to avoid them for a while until you’re sure that they’re not developing any emotions. This will allow you to avoid any potential feelings of betrayal or resentment, says Pricilla Martinez, CEO of Regroop Online Life Coaching.
You should also make sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to your expectations and boundaries. It’s a good idea to get clear on what you’re looking for from your relationship and what you’re not willing to sacrifice, suggests relationship expert Minaa B.
Once you’re comfortable with the relationship, it’s a good idea to regularly check in with your casual date about how they’re feeling and how their needs are being met. This will also help you determine if the relationship is progressing in the right direction, advises relationships coach and author Tami Tallon-Hicks.
This is also a great way to keep your relationship healthy and happy, recommends eharmony relationship expert and therapist Minaa B. If you’re in a casual relationship and you’re not sure what to do next, it’s a good idea to talk to your therapist or other professional about your feelings. They’ll be able to offer you advice on how to navigate the relationship and avoid any potential pitfalls.
