Casual dating is an umbrella term that can mean a lot of things. Casual dating doesn’t always imply an emotionless sexual connection, but it can also be used to define self-exploration, fun dating, and time off from serious relationships.
Casual dating is the exact opposite of a committed relationship. There is no definite term or explanation for casual dating. It is whatever you want it to be, not something serious and long-term. You can mix it when sexual intimacy or keep the sex out altogether.
Casual dating is just like dating without the stress of keeping the relationship going. Most people date to have a life partner, something solid and long-lasting. Casual dating has no such goals. Different people have different reasons for casual dating. But the meaning, in essence, remains the same, it’s a fun way of dating that helps you understand what you need in a relationship.
Why Do People Choose Casual Dating?
The modern generation of daters has many different requirements for a relationship. More than half aren’t looking for serious relations just yet; they want to explore their options and also explore themselves. For such daters, short-term dating or casual dating is the best option. The mindset may not always be to have fun and ignore serious relationships. It can be many things, such as
- Bad past relationships
- Trust issues
- Haven’t found the right person yet
- Finds serious dating tedious
There can be many reasons; maybe they aren’t just looking for a committed relationship just yet. However, a casual dater today doesn’t mean a casual dater tomorrow as well. Most of the new generation is into exploring first settling later. Casual dating is just that: exploring what one needs from future relationships and partners.
Casual dating isn’t just for fun; it’s an experience that enables you to see yourself in a new light. It’s a fun-filled adventure that lets you learn a great deal about yourself, what you need in a partner, and what you need from a long-term relationship. Although casual relationships are frowned upon, they are way better than broken or abusive relationships. Most people who are into casual relationships have already faced past trauma.
They may have jumped into a serious relationship too fast to know what they or their partners needed. Hence the relationship turned into a failed one. Dating casually lets you communicate better, helps you open up to new possibilities, and also lets you make mistakes you can later learn from. And since it’s not a permanent fixture, you can walk away from it if it bothers you or it doesn’t work out for you. There are many benefits of casual dating, read ahead to know all.
Pros of Casual Dating
There are many benefits of casual dating, read ahead to know all.
1. Physical Needs are Met
You don’t need to beg for sex with casual dating or relationships. You can get as much as you want from multiple like-minded partners. With casual relationships, you can explore every inch of your being and understand what you like the most and what gives you the most pleasure. Many partners are shy; they tend to hold things back and mate according to societally permitted standards and methods.
This hardly works; half the people remain dissatisfied with their partners. Some walk away from the relationship; some stay in toxic marriages to save face. Casual relationships are anything but this; you can explore your sexuality, learn what gives you immense pleasure, and also learn how to communicate what you like best when getting intimate with your partner. There is no shame or judgment in asking for sex or sexual pleasure from your partner with casual dating.
2. No More Stereotyping
Here’s another benefit of casual dating, it tells them to grow up and mind their own business. Society has banned and deemed many things taboo. One of such is casual dating or having casual relationships. They are more ready to accept broken ones than healthy ones but short-term ones.
Breaking through such Stereotypes gives not only confidence but also strength to face anything the society may throw at them. You will also find many like-minded people along the way and also learn a new side to your personality.
3. Non-committed Relationship
One of the best things about casual dating or relationships is that there is no pressure or no commitment. You don’t have to wait on your partner; you don’t have to answer to anyone if you are going to be late or calling it off altogether. All you need is to communicate that you aren’t feeling like meeting today, and that’s it. No questions asked, as there are no expectations.
You have more time for your friend and family as you aren’t continuously running after one person. Moreover, a non-committed relationship means more time for yourself. No wonder people are into casual relationships more than they are into serious ones. Casual relationships give you an emotional break from having a committed relationship when you just broke out of one.
4. Introduces You to a Whole New World
With casual dating, you can literally sing “It’s a Whole New World” there are endless possibilities to see new people and try new things when you are casually dating. Since you aren’t tied down to one person, you can meet a new partner every few weeks; you can explore their choices and world to find what you like and dislike. This gives you a new perspective on the world.
You can explore new passions like bowling, painting, hiking or new hobbies like horse riding, cycling. You can also try new cuisines and go on exotic vacations. Casual relationships open doors to a world that was prior to unknown to you. Don’t just jump into casual relationships for sex and booty calls; take this as an invitation to explore a new you and a new world for you.
5. More Self Care
When you are in a serious relationship, you tend to focus more on your partner and their needs. This makes you forget about yourself; 7 out of 10 people focus so much on the likes and dislikes of their partners that they forget what they love and like to do.
With a non-committed, casual relationship, your focus will be on you. You will have more time for yourself; you will also explore more about yourself than anyone else. There is no partner pleasing in casual relationships; when dating casually, to each his own.
In a committed relationship, your personal growth suffers, whereas self-love and self-care thrive in a casual relationship. There will be no one to demand your space and time that you can spend on yourself.
6. Build Confidence
With casual dating, you can get your lost confidence back. Many of us have been traumatized by the past relationships, so much so that we have lost who we really are. Casual dating is the best answer for such people; it’s the best thing to gain your confidence and self-worth back.
Having different partners, no people-pleasing, and being yourself can go magic for your self-esteem. Casual dating means no emotional attachments and expectations. Nothing they say or do will affect you when you don’t have any emotional connections with your date. If you don’t like your dating partner, switch to a better person, it’s as simple as that.
7. It helps you Find the Right Person
Forget your failed past relationships; use casual dating to find the right guy; casual relationships help you explore the dating pool; it enables you to understand what you need from a relationship.
When you better understand who you are and what you need, it will eventually help you find the right person to spend your whole life with.
For example, casual dating brings out the real you; whether you are an introvert, extrovert, workaholic, or adventurous, it brings out the real you. Once you know the real you, you will have an easier time finding a person who accepts you for you.
Cons of Casual Dating
Like every other relationship, casual ones also have many drawbacks. Read along to know whether the cons outweigh the pros or not.
1. It Keeps You From Having a Meaningful Connection
The most disturbing thing about having a casual relationship is that it may keep you from having a meaningful relationship. You might find and lose the right guy without even knowing about it. Casual relationships are meant to be healthy, fun, and adventurous but addictive.
Casual relationships are more about personal growth and maturity, but they are also to help you gain more profound meaning, develop your sexual desires, and make an attempt at finding love.
However, the world of casual dating is so addictive that it may keep you from finding a serious love connection. There is a probability that a casual relationship may replace a passionate relationship. Committed relationships are clear and solid, whereas casual relationships are hazy. Think long and hard about what you need in life and how it will affect your mental health.
Committed love is hard to find, but it’s not unheard of, don’t get too caught up in casual relationships and ignore it if real love knocks at your door.
2. Not For Everyone
A casual relationship may come with a lot of promises, but this is a fact that it’s not for everyone. Casual relations require emotional stability, a person who has good mental health to accept a partner who isn’t a permanent one. This may seem cool, but it’s not something everyone can handle.
Since it has become a norm and even popular to date casually, most people do it under the pressure of looking cool and trendy. This isn’t a game; this is your life you are playing with. When you can handle the likes of casual dating, false expectations are built, and limits are crossed. There is a good chance you might get hurt at the end as well.
3. You Might Not Find the Perfect Partner
Casual dating might sound fun, but you don’t always find the right partner. For many casual dating is another way of getting no-strings-attached sex. However, many aren’t from the same school of thought. For casual dating, both partners need to be on the same page.
4. May Develop an Emotional Connection
The worst thing about casual dating is when one partner gets emotionally involved. Casual dating is high risk because there is a 99% chance your partner won’t share the same feeling.
Although most people enter the casual dating scene prepared to have a non-committed relationship, love can strike anywhere anytime, beware of your emotions if you’re casual dating.
5. Hard to Let Go
Fun things are hard to let go of; this is a fact. Casual dating is thrilling, fun, and adventurous. Most people find it hard to let go. Why would you stop when you are having so much fun? You have a partner every night; you are getting ample sex with all the passion in the world; you are also having the time of your life to enjoy the things you like.
There is no stress, no pressure, or expectation of any kind from your partner; this is the definition of a perfect relationship; why would anyone stop casual dating?
6. It May Feel Unnatural to Many
Be ready to get the most judgmental comments if you are openly casual dating. Casual dating may be popular with the young generation, but many still frown upon it. Hence, you will have a hard time explaining what you’re gaining from it and why you are comfortable with such a casual lifestyle.
7. Jealousy
Casual dating is a non-exclusive relationship where your partner may be dating other people too. You are also allowed to date two or more partners simultaneously. But this doesn’t sit right with a lot of people. You or your partner might get jealous of others, which can create problems. Since this is a non-exclusive relationship, you need to tame your green-eyed monster.
8. Lack of Boundaries
The hardest part of casual dating is setting boundaries, but a lack of them can cause many problems. Things will surely go south fast when there are fewer or no limits. Rules can make casual dating easier; without any boundaries, you are bound to get hurt or hurt your partner.
9. Sexual Risks
The more partners there are, the bigger the risk is. If you and your partner are sexually active, you need to ensure you are protected in every possible way. There is a big risk of STDs when both partners have multiple partners are all of them are sexually active with each other.
Casual dating is a great opportunity to find non-serious connections. It’s ideal for those who have been hurt in the past and aren’t looking for a serious relationship just yet. It’s also great for people who are finding themselves.
