10 Tips for Casual Dating if You’re Used to Being a “Relationship Girl”

Hi, allow me to introduce myself: I’m Katie, a 23-year-old single woman living in New York City and a notorious relationship girl. I don’t know if it’s because I watched too many rom-coms growing up or if I’m just wired to DTR the moment a dude double-texts me, but casual dating is not something I’ve ever learned how to do. But for the first time in my life, I don’t have the time, energy, or f*cks to give another person besides myself. So aside from writing: “I DON’T WANT ANYTHING SERIOUS” in red ink on my forehead, how do you actually have a casual relationship? This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. I talked with psychologist Paulette Sherman, PhD, author of the upcoming book Facebook Dating: From First Date to Soulmate, on 10 tips and tricks for navigating ~casual~ situationships. You’ll want to use these the next time you’re swiping on Tinder, girl—you can thank me later! 1. COMMUNICATION IS KEY. If you’re only wanting someone to come over between the hours of 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., it’s probably best to avoid matching with the dude who is “looking for his person” on Hinge. “Be honest and direct,” says Sherman. “Say, in your own words, that you’re looking to have fun right now and you’re not looking to be in anything committed.” It’s up to you if you want to give them details why. Related Story Calling My Dating App Matches Was So Worth It 2. SET BOUNDARIES AND STICK TO THEM. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but if you’re seeing someone 3+ times a week and leaving a toothbrush at their place, you’ve bypassed the realm of casual dating. Give yourself a routine: “Some people see each other every Friday or on the weekends,” says Sherman. But when you’re spending multiple days together and meeting each other’s parents, you’re definitely manifesting a relationship, she explains. 3. SEE OTHER PEOPLE. Look, I get it: My biggest fear is asking OkCupid Paul how his dachshund is—only to realize that Paul is allergic to dogs and it’s actually Bumble Frank who has the new pupper. But “dating around can be a good way to keep things casual,” says Sherman. I mean, a good rule of thumb? You’re *def* not going to catch feelings for someone whose allergy you can’t remember. This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. 4. KNOW YOUR WORTH, QUEEN. It can be natural to get jealous—especially when you see the object of your (casual) desire shotgunnin’ White Claws with somebody other than you. But at the end of the day, don’t forget that this is your decision. Dating someone casually has a lot more gray area than a normal relationship does, so it’s not a direct attack on you if you see something that makes your heart skip a couple beats. 5. KEEP IT OFF SOCIAL MEDIA. As someone who is ~very~ online (help), sometimes sharing things to the world is just second nature. But before you snap a pic of the cute cocktail you ordered with pink sugar on the rim, ask yourself: Wait, do I really need to tag him in this too? The answer: absolutely not. “Putting tons of pictures on social media could mislead someone,” says Sherman. Wait until your next girls’ night to geotag that new wine bar. Related Story 17 Subtle Ways to Tell Your Dude to Take Your Pic 6. MAKE SURE YOU’RE ON THE SAME PAGE ABOUT SEX. Have the important conversations. If you’re going to be hooking up with someone, talk to them about getting tested. “Ask yourself what sex means to you,” says Sherman. “Whether you’re going to be sleeping around or you’re just going to be seeing each other, be up-front with them.” It’s one thing to be casual about dating, but don’t be casual about your sexual well-being, mmk? And might we suggest some condoms for your pleasure too, pls? 7. SERIOUSLY, KEEP THE CHATTING TO A MINIMUM. Sending good morning dog memes are cute in a relationship. But when you’re just dating someone casually, not so much. Text them when you want to make plans, but don’t text them about how annoying that one coworker is because “then is when it kind of becomes friends with benefits,” explains Sherman. TL;DR: Keep it light and easy. 8. STEER CLEAR OF ANYONE FROM WORK OR SCHOOL. Casual dating works best if you’re with someone who’s easy to cut ties with. If and when your fling ends, you don’t want to randomly run into them at your best friend’s birthday party. Go for someone in a circle that doesn’t overlap with yours.