Casual dating can be a great way to get to know someone without the commitment and emotional investment of a long-term relationship.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re trying to make it work. So Elite Daily tapped a few experts for their tips on how to avoid common casual dating mistakes.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
In order to get the most out of your casual dating experience, it’s important to ask questions. It’s a great way to get to know the person you’re seeing and can be used to help you decide whether or not they’re right for you.
You’ll want to be prepared when you ask a question, so think carefully about what you’re hoping to learn. You won’t get the best answer if your questions aren’t well thought out.
Depending on who you ask, it’s also a good idea to ask questions that allow the person you’re talking to to share their thoughts with you. This is especially true if you’re asking about their life or what they like to do.
The more questions you ask, the better your chances of getting the answers you need. You’ll be able to explore your relationship in greater depth, which will ultimately lead to greater satisfaction.
If you’re having a hard time with this, it may be time to take a step back and think about why you want to date someone in the first place. It’s not a good idea to start a relationship with someone who doesn’t have a clear understanding of their goals or expectations.
This will prevent you from getting hurt in the long run, and will also ensure that you aren’t being held back by limiting beliefs or negative thoughts about casual dating.
It’s important to talk to a therapist or qualified mental health professional about your beliefs and feelings when it comes to casual dating. They’ll be able to address these issues and possibly even change your mindset about this type of dating so that you are more comfortable with it in the future.
In addition, it’s important to remember that if you don’t feel satisfied in your casual relationship, it isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong with the person you’re dating. In fact, happy couples in casual relationships are generally as satisfied as cohabiting or married couples.
This is because casual dating offers many of the same benefits as traditional relationships, but without the commitment and uncertainty. In fact, according to Lovehoney scientific advisor, social psychologist, and research fellow at The Kinsey Institute Dr. Justin Lehmiller, casual dating can actually be a great way to find the right person for you!
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your casual dating situation, it might be time to seek out some professional help. This could mean talking to a therapist or other mental health professional, who can guide you through some of the more complicated aspects of casual dating and assist you in finding the right kind of partner for your particular needs.
In order to have a successful casual relationship, both parties need to be on the same page about what they are looking for in a relationship. You can get a clearer idea of this by asking yourself what kind of relationship you want to be in.
Another great question to ask yourself is whether or not you’re comfortable discussing the possibility of taking your casual relationship to the next level. It’s a big decision and can be intimidating, but you need to know that you both want something serious before making the commitment.
It’s also a good idea to ask yourself how you think this relationship could help you reach your goals. For example, maybe it will help you improve your confidence or make you more secure in yourself, and it could give you a sense of belonging that you may have been missing in your past relationships.
This is a very important question to answer, and it is worth asking because it will help you move forward in your relationship without being blindsided by your partner’s missteps. By identifying and talking about these issues, you will likely be able to resolve them before they become bigger problems down the line.
In the end, casual dating is a valid and healthy way to meet new people, but it can also be tricky to navigate. If you’re not sure where to start, read our guide to dating or contact a therapist via BetterHelp today!
3. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings
Whether you’re in a casual relationship or not, it’s important to be open and honest with your partner. Being too secretive can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
One of the most common mistakes people make in a casual relationship is not being open about their feelings. If you’re not comfortable expressing your feelings, you may miss out on what could have been an amazing connection.
It’s also important to be honest about your own expectations. You don’t want to be stuck in a relationship where you feel like you’re not getting what you want. Being open about your goals can help you avoid this situation and make sure you’re getting what you need from a casual relationship, suggests Yana Tallon-Hicks, couples and relationships therapist at Lovehoney.
Another issue to consider is how you will handle your sex life. If your casual date is free to have sex with other people, it can be confusing or even scary for you to figure out what’s going on.
If you’re in a casual relationship, it’s important to discuss your sex life and what you both think about having multiple sexual relationships at once. This will help you reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and keep you safe from unwanted pregnancy.
You should also be open about your feelings if you’re in a casual relationship with someone who is not compatible with you. If they’re not willing to accept you for who you are, you might be better off finding someone else.
The last thing you want is to end up hurt because you didn’t feel like you were being taken seriously or respected. Being transparent about your feelings can help you both avoid hurt feelings and build trust in the future.
Lastly, be respectful of each other’s boundaries when you’re in a casual relationship. Don’t text your casual partner too much, don’t bail on dates without notice, and practice good etiquette.
While it’s not always easy, expressing your feelings can be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your relationship. When you do this, you’ll be able to get what you need out of a casual relationship.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice
Casual dating can be a great way to meet new people and find someone you really like. However, it can also be confusing and frustrating if you’re not sure what to do or what you should expect. Luckily, there are a few dos and don’ts you can follow to help you avoid complications and have a happy relationship with your partner.
The first rule of casual dating is to be honest with yourself about what you want and need out of a relationship. This will ensure that you’re not dating someone who isn’t right for you, and it will help prevent any misunderstandings down the line.
In addition, it’s important to remember that no two relationships are exactly the same. Everyone’s definition of casual dating is different, so it’s up to you to make sure that the person you’re dating is a good fit for your personal style and desires.
Another thing you need to consider is if you are ready for a serious relationship or not. If you aren’t, it’s likely time to end your casual dating relationship and move on to something more exclusive.
This is a tricky situation, but it’s important to have the discussion with your casual partner so that you can both understand each other’s feelings and expectations. In addition, it’s a good idea to check in with each other on a regular basis so that both of you know whether or not the relationship is working and what needs to change.
If you feel like you need some help to talk through your relationship issues, it’s a good idea to seek out a therapist. ReGain has a wide variety of highly qualified, licensed therapists who can help you get to the root of your problems and find a solution that works for you. If you are unable to meet with your therapist face-to-face, BetterHelp has a variety of licensed therapists who can provide online therapy sessions so that you can communicate with them from anywhere with an internet connection.
