A casual relationship has no expectation of a long-term commitment or of monogamy.If you have a non-committed relationship or are currently in one, you should prioritize communication and honesty first.It is better to be clear on what the expectations are and not assume that things will work out.Limit your contact by having some rules.This can lead to wanting more if you get emotionally involved.
Step 1: If you want a non-committed relationship, ask yourself.
Before agreeing to a non-committed relationship, make sure it is something you want.Consider how a non-committed relationship will work for you if you write down the benefits.There are many reasons people choose non-committed relationships.Maybe you just ended a long-term relationship and aren't ready for a new one, or you keep busy by furthering your career and not have time to commit to a relationship.If it's not something you want, don't let your partner pressure you into it.
Step 2: They don't want to commit.
As soon as possible, define the relationship so that you have clear expectations.It's not your job to encourage someone to change their mind if they say they don't want to get married.Take them at their word that this is what they want, if they ask, "Is this what you want?"You won't be a hero for turning a non-committed person.You might be frustrated or disappointed.
Step 3: Accept the relationship as it is.
Don't expect a non-committed relationship to change.Clarify the nature of your relationship if you are unclear about it.You are fighting a very difficult battle if you want to move toward a committed relationship with someone.It is best to accept things as they are.If you are unhappy in a non-committed relationship, talk to them about what you want.It might be best to end things if they are not.If you notice a change in your partner's interest in commitment, be careful.
Step 4: Define the rules.
Define the rules if you are going into an agreed upon relationship.It is best to have clear boundaries for how the relationship will go.Make sure it feels right to you.Both of you should have the same goals for the relationship.Rules about being physical with other people or spending time with others should be established.If you fall in love with someone else, you should decide if your relationship is a secret or not.You are still dealing with a person, not a sex toy, even though the relationship is casual.Being in a casual relationship doesn't mean either of you can treat the other badly.It is equally important to communicate in an uncommitted relationship as it is in a committed one.Keep the lines of communication open.
Step 5: Be honest.
A non-committed relationship requires honesty.It doesn't mean that you should lie to each other.Don't hope that you will get over it if you are unhappy with the arrangement.Say something.If you step outside the boundaries, admit it.Lying can turn into big lies if it isn't fair to you or your partner.Give feedback and express how you feel.Say something if you need to change the rules.If your partner asks you to change the rules, be honest about how you feel about it and if you are willing to make it happen.If your partner says they want to have sex with multiple people at the same time, weigh in on how you feel about it.
Step 6: You should make your opinion count.
You should have a say in the relationship.Say something if your partner wants the relationship to be only on their terms.If your partner makes a request you are not willing to complete, say so.Make sure your partner listens to you.This can lead to resentment and bitterness if your thoughts and feelings about the relationship don't matter.If it hurts you or makes you feel angry, don't just go along with what your partner wants.Say, "I'm not comfortable with that."
Step 7: You should approach the relationship the same way.
You should not be the only one who makes compromises or clears the schedule.It is not an equal relationship if your partner makes excuses for not doing the same for you when they are demanding your time and energy.If you feel like you are putting in too much time to see each other, consider asking some questions.If the power is balanced in your relationship, you will be more satisfied.If you don't want to break it off but still want more equality, you can say, "I feel like I'm putting aside a lot."Could you give me some time as well?
Step 8: Use protection.
If both of you are having sex outside of this relationship, use protection and encourage your partner to do the same.People don't want sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.If you and your partner are having sex with other people, make sure you are protected.Don't have sex if you're under the influence of drugs.Having sex with more than one person increases your chances of getting an STD.
Step 9: Don't be emotional uninvested.
Don't let your emotions get in the way of this relationship.Emotional investment can lead to wanting to spend more time together, seeing the person more romantically, or wanting the relationship to progress.Feelings of connection and closeness can be fostered by it.If you find yourself wanting or hoping for more in a casual relationship, back up.If you're in a romantic relationship, avoid this part of the relationship.Don't open up emotionally after sex.If the person expects you to take care of them or listen to them, it might blur the lines of a relationship.Keep your involvement minimal.
Step 10: Keep the conversations light.
You should not give your partner very personal information.This can lead to feelings of commitment if you begin to share more personal information with each other.Increased closeness can be achieved by sharing vulnerability and having deeper conversations.Since the nature of the relationship is to avoid these feelings, keep things positive.Discuss it in the now.You might want a long-term relationship if you talk about the future often.You should back off if you are starting to feel more invested.
Step 11: Keep your life separate from your personal life.
Introduce this person to your friends and family.People who want a casual relationship want to keep their lives separate, so mixing in friends or family can send mixed messages.It can lead to confusion.Keep your private life separate from your casual relationship.Some people don't mind interacting with their friends with a casual partner.This requires a lot of work.
Step 12: You should limit your contact.
Don't text, email, or call the person.Limit contact to once a week.The nature of the casual relationship can be broken down by spending more time together.If you want more than a casual relationship, you should want to see the person at least once a week.
Step 13: If you are unhappy, leave.
When non-committed relationships cease to be mutually beneficial, they end.If you find it difficult to cope with someone who doesn't want a commitment, walk away.Maybe you tried to connect and make the relationship work, but are unhappy with it.You can't change the person if this time comes.Break up the relationship if it feels more negative than positive.This has been fun and I like spending time with you.I am looking for a committed relationship and this isn't it.I know this is what you want, but it's not what I want anymore.No hard feelings, but please stop calling me.
Step 14: Don't be controlled.
You might start to feel controlled by your partner if they dictate when you see each other and how often.Other controlling behaviors might include criticism, feeling like you owe them something, or feeling pressured into doing things you don't want to do.Before they break your heart, walk away if you are starting to feel controlled.Do not go along with something you don't agree with.It is best to break it off if you have feelings.
Step 15: Don't be making things happen.
It is a good idea to avoid saying things like, "I want you in my life and I can't imagine life without you, but I still want to see other people." This can confuse the other person and leave them wondering how you feel.Let them know if your feelings have changed.You should say something if you have feelings for them or lost interest.Control can be gained by not being overly critical or judgmental of the person.There is an expiration date for casual relationships.It will come to an end whether you find someone else or not.Don't hurt the person in the meantime and know when to let go.