The idea of casually dating is super normal and expected from teens and adults in their 20’s. When you’re that young, the last thing you’re worried about is settling down quickly.
You want to experience different people either to just have fun or find the person you decide to take a chance on. Sometimes, you might end up catching feelings for someone you didn’t mean to. Having feelings for someone you don’t necessarily see yourself pursuing something more serious with is common. The thing is, most of the time, you don’t see it coming. There are many reasons why you find yourself catching feelings for people you never intended to, but If you’re someone who tends to fall hard in casual relationships then read on for some advice on what you can do to avoid making the same old mistake.
Side note: you can also apply these tips to a one-sided infatuation situation.
Remember, They’re Not Your Top Priority
You have to remember that this isn’t a serious relationship. The person you’re seeing isn’t going to prioritize you first and you shouldn’t prioritize them. When you fall for someone, you want to make them your priority because you feel so strongly for them and start to romanticize your relationship with them. You shouldn’t have high expectations. It’s good to remember that because you won’t catch feelings for someone you know isn’t going to prioritize you the same way as you would them.
Spend Some Time Apart
If you truly want to chill out on those budding feelings for the person you’re casually seeing, then you need to spend less time around them. If you continue to spend your time with someone, see them multiple times a week, and let your dates prolong, then you’re only going to develop stronger feelings. Quality time and bonding are linked to the development of your feelings for someone. Spending less time with that person will be helpful and even allow you to maybe explore other relationships with people you probably have been neglecting.
Limit Constant Communication
It’s not bad to talk to each other every so often, but don’t go overboard and constantly message them every second and stay on the phone late at night going into deep conversations. Those nights are when you’re vulnerable and end up creating an emotional bond that drives you to dive deep into your feelings. Once you do something like that, it’s hard to not think about your relationship and future possibilities.
Avoid Landmarks
When you’re casually seeing someone, it’s in your best interest to not go on dates where you invite them to events that could create landmarks in your relationship. Having landmarks in your relationship will create emotional bonds that will most definitely make you level up in catching feelings. For example; don’t try and celebrate events such as Valentine’s day with them. Such a romantic holiday + the potential to fall hard = catching extreme feelings
Don’t Expect to Be Special
A casual relationship is just that, a casual relationship. They could be seeing other people while also seeing you so expecting any kind of special treatment from the person you’re casually dating isn’t the way to go.
Don’t have any preconceived notions that they have to treat you a certain way. You aren’t in a serious relationship, therefore, you don’t get the perks that come with being in one.
Coming from someone who only recently learned how to avoid catching feelings quickly, utilizing these tips will help you adapt to the world of casual dating. It helps you take things slowly so you don’t run headfirst into a relationship and let it burn out quickly like a match. Then your left with no passion and slowly becoming disinterested. The point of casual dating is to test out the waters without committing to a relationship so soon!