Casual relationships are not a new idea. In fact, the idea of casual dating has been around for a long time simply under different names. Friends with benefits, no strings attached, and even sex buddies fall under the large umbrella of casual relationships. Friends with benefits, however, is probably considered closest to a casual relationship as these relationships are meant to emulate romantic relationships without requiring the commitment of traditional romantic relationships.
The beauty of casual dating is that it doesn’t need to culminate in sex—although most of these relationships are at least on the level of near-sexual. However, there is a lot less pressure far away from the social constraints that come with traditional dating. Casual dating is something which affords both participants more control in a sense. No longer bound by the expectations that have been drilled into our brains by romantic comedies and romance novels, casual dating allows people who are interested in each other to spend time without having to promise eternity in a day.
Casual dating allows a person to have an emotional relationship with someone who is not an official significant other while also having complete control of how far that relationship goes. There is an understanding from both parties at the outset that the relationship is meant to be a casual one without demands. This does not mean, however, that casual dating falls solely in the realm of no strings attached relationships either.
The problem with equating casual dating with one night stands or with no strings attached relationships is that both of the latter focus highly on sex, whereas casual dating can (and often does) contain a strong emotional attachment. This emotional attachment, however, does not become the ball and chain of traditional dating. While sex definitely can be included in casual dating, there is an emotional and supportive underpinning which at its core. Casual dating allows you to get to know someone, to become friends with them while still having sexual needs fulfilled, and without having to worry about things getting messy.
Casual dating can be monogamous, but doesn’t have to be. This goes without saying for those who are seeing multiple people, but even for those who are unattached there is no commitment to monogamy unless both parties are interested in such a relationship. There is an innate honesty and understanding which comes along with casual dating. While sex may or may not be on the table, the idea of having an emotional or romantic need fulfilled is implicit.
To be with a lover without needing them to be your partner can feel liberating. This is particularly true if you wish to experiment with romantic and/or emotional needs which have gone unfulfilled. There is a whole wide world of sensations, feelings, and attractions out there and by keeping the dating casual while seeing multiple people ,you are able to learn more about yourself. That’s what casual dating comes down to in the end—your needs.
The idea that love, affection, and romance are all altars that you must sacrifice yourself upon should be buried in a world that has come to understand that our physical, mental, and emotional well-being are integral to not only our own happiness, but the happiness of those around us. By being selfish enough to care for yourself, you are more likely to be able to take care of others.
The lack of commitment demanded by casual dating also lowers the amount of stress that each participant endures as they are not required to make explanations for their behaviour or to change their schedule around to fit another person. Add in some mind-blowing sex along with fun afternoons of bowling or watching super hero movies, and it becomes hard to understand why you’re not dating casually yet.
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