Pros and Cons of a Casual Relationship

Nowadays, many adults don’t invest in a traditional relationship, but they have needs for physical companionship and emotional closeness. They convince themselves they can be satisfied with a relationship that won’t fulfill them on many levels. They look to someone to help them. Casual relationships are one-time or recurring but lack a commitment. This arrangement has different norms than a traditional relationship, such as convenience and frowning on emotional bonds. Some people enter a casual relationship for reasons that won’t affect their self-esteem, while others try it because they want more. Your reasons behind casual relationships can negatively affect your psychological well-being. Don't start a casual relationship if you really want romance.

What does the term "casual relationship" mean?

Two or more partners meet for a sexual connection (or physical contact approaching sex) or an emotional connection or both. This relationship has no strings attached but might include friendship and socialization, such as dinner dates and watching Netflix. According to the site freesexmatch.com, 3 out of 5 people thought about casual relationships, and about 40% of Americans have tried such a relationship at least once in their life.

Can it become something more?

A casual relationship assumes both partners can continue their connection without developing serious feelings for the other person. If one or both develop feelings, it is difficult to continue in a casual manner. When this happens, the partners must voice how the situation has changed and discuss whether to move forward. A casual relationship can become more if both partners decide to invest more in their connection. This involves changing the rules, which must be negotiated, and then both partners must follow them. Often, the relationship ends because feelings get in the way, such as one partner acting hurt or rejected. If you develop feelings, you risk the possibility that he or she won’t reciprocate, which can occur in any friendship or dating scenario.

Pros and cons of casual dating and relationships

Pros:

● You can maintain an open relationship, which means both are free to have other sexual or emotional attachments.

● You can have your physical and/or emotional needs met on a part-time basis.

● You can end the casual relationship when convenient.

● You can collect collateral benefits, such as receiving attention, feeling attractive and sexy, and feeling motivated to take care of yourself. People with strong self-esteem meet these needs for themselves.

● You can keep the relationship a secret or tell others your partner is just a friend.

● You can keep using dating sites to find a long-term partner.

Cons:

● If you develop feelings for a partner and the arrangement ends, you can get hurt.

● You expose yourself to pregnancy and STDs if your partner is out there fooling around and not practicing safe sex.

● It is not socially accepted, although it may be a regular arrangement.

● You might like to do romantic things with a partner, but this is not expected and may anger him or her.

● Your moral code might make you feel ashamed for having sex without an emotional commitment.

● You have no say over what a partner does when you aren’t around because it is not a committed relationship.

● You can’t count on your partner for emotional support.

You will need to forget about jealousy

Jealousy creates negative reactions in a partner. He or she may not like to be controlled and/or how others perceive your jealousy. A casual relationship does not leave room for a partner to feel possessive or exert control. While there can be a power dynamic during sex, there should not be elements of social or emotional control that codependent couples have. In general, that dynamic would be negative. Set clear boundaries with your partner, so this doesn't occur.

In the end, a casual relationship can satisfy human needs for love, companionship, intimacy, and belonging. However, if sex involves your emotional side, it is hard to compartmentalize feelings from the physical side of lovemaking. As long as you don’t get emotionally involved, this relationship can work. At some point, you or your partner might want a traditional romance.