{"id":20076,"date":"2020-08-23T09:11:11","date_gmt":"2020-08-23T16:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/datemixstaging.wpengine.com\/?p=20076"},"modified":"2021-05-31T07:49:38","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T14:49:38","slug":"casual-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zoosk.com\/date-mix\/relationship-advice\/relationship-stages\/casual-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does A Casual Relationship Actually Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you first hear the term casual relationship, you may think it just refers to casual sex. And it can. But there may be a little more, or a little less, involved too! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So freedom from the rules, no expectations, and you can date as many people as you want\u2026 sounds perfect, right? For some people maybe! But the truth is it isn\u2019t for everyone. Maintaining a happy no-strings-attached romance is trickier than it may seem. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why would you want one?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

People begin casually dating for many reasons. Some people see it as a way to explore multiple connections at the same time until they <\/span>feel ready for a relationship<\/span><\/a>. Others see casual dating as the end-game! And have no desire to engage with an exclusive relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can they become serious?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes\u2026 And no. Any relationship has the potential to<\/span> become serious<\/span><\/a>. But most people who are in this kind of agreement are in it because of the fact it\u2019s casual. That\u2019s it. While some relationships do begin as casual hookups, this isn\u2019t always the outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our advice? Avoid entering a casual relationship unless you\u2019re sure it\u2019s for you. If you\u2019re counting on it turning into something serious or feel pressured to agree to one in case you lose your crush, we say don\u2019t go for it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, pursue people who are interested in the same things as you! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Have a Successful Casual Relationship<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

State your intentions and boundaries<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend both parties state their intentions and boundaries early on. That way everyone\u2019s on the same page. This doesn\u2019t need to be a serious conversation, but it should be honest. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask yourself what you want out of this agreement. Will you be disappointed if the person you’re dating never wants to commit? Are you ok with them being intimate with someone else? Do you want to discuss other people you\u2019re dating with them?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearing up these question marks may seem a little boring, but it\u2019ll ensure you\u2019re both in this for the right reasons. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respect each other <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Probably the most important rule of a casual relationship, or any relationship for that matter, is to be respectful. <\/span>No matter how informal things may be, your casual partner may not want to hear the details of how things are going with your other dates. And that\u2019s fine! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the early phases of a casual relationship, it may be helpful to come to an agreement about how much is shared, what\u2019s kept private, and when you\u2019re going to date others. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The point of being with your partner is to have fun, but you can <\/span>do that while still respecting them<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steer clear of jealousy <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling jealous from time to time is natural. But when you\u2019re in a casual relationship, it\u2019s important to not let those feelings get the best of you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Realize that this is part of the agreement you\u2019ve made. If you\u2019re someone who is easily jealous, then it\u2019s likely that this kind of relationship isn\u2019t the one for you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communication is key<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a casual relationship to succeed, there needs to be open communication\u2026 and lots of it! Poor communication can cause trouble in any relationship, but especially in a casual one where boundaries aren\u2019t automatically clear. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both parties should state their intentions early on so that they’re on the same page. It would be pretty awkward if you found out later on that your partner had the wrong idea. Or vice versa. If you’re open for it being serious down the road, state that as well!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check-in with each other regularly. Are your boundaries working for you? How much time is ok to spend together? Is this arrangement still what you\u2019re looking for? Do we introduce each other to our friends?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asking yourself and each other these questions won’t just make sure you continue to have fun, it\u2019ll also stop anyone from getting hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Casual dating isn’t for everyone. It all depends on what you want and what you’re comfortable with. <\/span>Ultimately, it\u2019s important to stay true to you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide down the line that this arrangement isn\u2019t working for you anymore, then that\u2019s fine. Until then enjoy the perks of this no-strings-attached fun!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our secrets on how to keep your casual fling stress-free.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":212,"featured_media":20077,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[884,893],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dating-advice","category-relationship-stages"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Does A Casual Relationship Actually Mean And Is It For You?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you considering a no-strings-attached romance? 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