Casual Sex

It goes by many names “ friends with benefits, sports sex, sex buddies, NSA (no strings attached), hooking up. Many women find this type of relationship exciting, fun, or just a good way to spend a Saturday night.

Casual sex has its benefits, but it also has a downside. Can you make it work? Here’s our guide.

Make sure you understand one another.

Don’t take it for granted that he’s just as into a one-night hookup as you are “ not all guys like to be loved then left. It’s not casual sex if one of you is more invested than the other, and you don’t want to lead anyone down the path of heartbreak.

Make it clear, in between makeouts, that you’re not looking for anything serious, that you’re just out to have fun. He may get even more excited when you tell him you have zero expectations.

Be safe.

Always use a condom to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. You’re entitled to your fun, but you also have a responsibility to yourself and your partner to keep it safe. A one-night stand, or a series of them, should not lead to a disease you will have the rest of your life.

Learn the rules of the game.

Casual sex is just that. Check your expectations at the bedroom door “ there’s no guarantee that it will come with meaningful communication, trust and or emotional intimacy.

If you’re looking for cuddling, flowers, or even a phone call the next day, you may not be cut out for casual sex. It can be very dangerous to enter into a rendez-vous like this expecting more than an orgasm (and even that’s sometimes a tall order!). Kidding yourself can only lead to disappointment, depression, low self esteem, and other complications “ the antithesis of keeping it casual and cool.

Be (somewhat) discriminating in your choice. We’ve covered condoms and emotional expectations, but that’s not all that needs protecting. Be cautious when you hook up and who you hook up with. It’s nice to know a bit about the guy you invite into your bedroom, whether he’s a good pal, an ex-boyfriend or a friend of a friend.

If you prefer the mystery and excitement that comes with bedding a virtual stranger, keep your wits about you. If you have even the slightest doubt about him, don’t do him.

How do you feel about casual sex? Share your best casual sex story with us.