Whether you’re new to casual dating or you’ve been in a casual relationship for years, it’s important to communicate with your partner. If you don’t, communication gaps can lead to big problems.
Casual relationships are a great way for people to explore different types of intimacy, engage with others and build friendships without the demands of a committed relationship.
1. Be Honest
If you want to have a casual relationship, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner. This will ensure that you’re both on the same page and not feeling mistreated, says Lovehoney scientific advisor, social psychologist, and research fellow at The Kinsey Institute Dr. Justin Lehmiller.
This will help you both know if the relationship is going to work or not, so you can make sure to communicate your expectations and boundaries to one another. This will also help you both understand what your goals are, which is an important part of any successful relationship, Battle and Henry say.
It’s also a good idea to establish upfront what the relationship will look like and how it will be different from a normal dating experience, suggests 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. Having a clear understanding of what the relationship will look like and how it may change in the future is the best way to avoid getting in trouble, she tells Elite Daily.
While it’s tempting to ghost your casual partner, doing so could be the worst thing you can do. Not only will you confuse your partner, but it could be detrimental to the overall health of your relationship.
As long as you keep your casual relationship private, you should be able to have fun without worrying about people from work, school, or your family finding out you’re dating someone. This will make your fling feel much more relaxed, and it’s likely you’ll enjoy your time together more.
This is especially true if your partner has a strong sense of privacy. If they do meet your friends and family, it’s a good idea to let them know you’re just dating. This will make it easier to separate your casual relationship from the rest of your life, and it’s more likely to work out in the end.
2. Be Respectful
If you are going out on casual dates, you should always make sure that you are treating your date respectfully. Treating them with respect will help you both have a positive dating experience and avoid any awkwardness or drama that may arise.
If the casual relationship is not working out, it is also important to be honest about why. For instance, if you start feeling too attached or emotionally invested in the relationship, you should discuss this with your partner and decide whether or not you want to break up or continue the casual dating experience.
You should also be clear about your intentions when it comes to sex, so you don’t end up with an STD or unwanted pregnancy while in the casual relationship. This will prevent any conflicts or miscommunication that might happen in the future if you decide to take things more seriously.
It is also a good idea to disclose this information to your casual date, so they know exactly what you are looking for and not just how casual the relationship is. It is also a good idea to discuss boundaries, so they are aware of your limits in bed and what you would like out of the relationship.
A casual relationship isn’t necessarily a good idea for everyone, but it can be beneficial for some people. It is a good way to get to know someone and determine whether or not you have feelings for them.
You should be respectful in any type of relationship, but it is especially important to be respectful in a casual relationship. If you are not being respectful, it will be difficult to enjoy your casual dating experience and it can lead to unhealthy relationships in the future.
3. Be Honest About Your Needs
If you’re feeling like casual dating isn’t working, be honest about your needs and what you want from the relationship. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the road, according to Lovehoney scientific advisor, social psychologist, and research fellow at The Kinsey Institute Dr. Justin Lehmiller.
It’s important to communicate clearly about what you want out of a casual relationship and how much time you’d like to spend together. You should also set boundaries and respect your partner’s wishes, says 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.
Taking your relationship to the next level can be challenging for some people, and it can be easy to feel tempted to go above and beyond your boundaries or expectations in a casual relationship. You may end up compromising your needs and your health, so it’s a good idea to be upfront about what you’re looking for from casual dating.
You should also be sure to communicate with your casual partner about the things you don’t want or don’t want to do in the future. This will prevent your relationship from becoming too serious and causing a lot of confusion in the long run, according to Battle and Henry.
For example, you should tell your partner that you don’t want them to know about any other romantic activities or relationships you’re involved in, unless they ask you first. This will help you keep things fun and light, which is often the goal of casual dating.
You should also be open about any sexual intercourse or non-protected sex that you’re engaged in with your casual partner, so they don’t get the wrong impression. If you’re worried about their safety, you should discuss this with your casual partner and set up a plan for how to stay safe.
4. Be Honest About Your Expectations
When it comes to casual relationships, it’s crucial to be honest about your expectations. This way, if there isn’t a mutual fit, you can move on without letting your relationship get bogged down in unrealistic expectations.
It’s also important to understand that casual dating is a good way for you to test your boundaries and find out who you are as a person. It’s not something to rush into and should be considered a learning experience, says Yana Tallon-Hicks, couples and relationships therapist at BetterHelp.
Often, people enter casual relationships because they feel like it will lead to something more serious in the future. However, this can cause a lot of problems in the long run.
Another thing that can happen with casual relationships is that one of the partners starts to change their mind about the relationship. This can be confusing and frustrating for everyone involved, including the other partner.
If this happens, you need to discuss it with your partner and find out what is best for both of you. This can be done through regular check-ins and a clear understanding of your goals for the relationship.
This can help you decide whether it’s time to end the relationship. Depending on the situation, you may be ready to leave things behind and move on with your life or you might want to keep things light so that both of you can continue to enjoy each other’s company.
If you’re unsure of what to expect or how to navigate your relationship, consider online therapy with a therapist at BetterHelp. With online therapy, you can talk with a licensed therapist from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
5. Be Honest About Your Past
If you’re in a casual relationship and you find yourself having intense feelings towards your casual partner, it is important to be clear about how you feel. It’s normal to feel a strong attraction, but be sure not to get too attached. This can lead to feelings of clinginess and even a feeling of being trapped in the relationship.
The best way to avoid a situation like this is to be open and honest about your past. This isn’t always easy, but it’s vital to your emotional health and safety.
For example, if you have a history of sexual abuse or if you have been in a long-term relationship with someone who hasn’t been emotionally available to you, then it may be difficult to talk about your past without coming across as untrusting or avoiding a discussion.
But it’s important to be honest with your casual partner, as it can make a huge difference in how they treat you and what kind of relationship you two have together.
Similarly, it can help to be honest about your sex life as well. This can help your new partner know what they can expect if you decide to have sex again in the future.
You may also want to be honest about your past if you have any other negative experiences or if you have any questions about your partner’s character or the things that they’ve done in their past. This is a good time to discuss your beliefs about intimacy, how you choose your partners, and the things that are important to you.
Having these conversations early on can be a great way to establish trust and respect in your relationship. It’s also a good idea to share your expectations of the future in an honest, respectful way. This can help you both have a healthy, happy relationship!
