Relationships-whether they last for a week or a lifetime-are one of the most exciting parts of being A Real Adult. They’re fun! They’re exciting! And a lot of the time, they involve steamy sex and romantic rendezvous. But from basic dates to
Very simply, marriage and sex therapist Adrienne Michelle describes a relationship as a connection to a person you continue to engage with. Naturally, these connections can range from casual to intimate, platonic to romantic. And ideally, these connections provide a healthy balance of give-and-take, support, security, care, and growth, adds ily therapist Katie Kilometers.
Access *All* regarding Cosmo
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with every connection, which is often how dangerous relationships come to be. A fit dating is the one that’s the right fit for you, both with the nature of the relationship and the person(s) you’re in a relationship with, Miles explains.
And while a thriving, healthy relationship is the goal for many, if you’ve been in the relationships games for literally any amount of time, you’re probably aware that no two connections are the same. Different types of relationships tend to come with distinct expectations, rules, and standards of engagement, explains Miles. And it’s important for each person’s well-being and sense of security to know what [the relationship] is.
That’s why both experts agree: Identifying the relationship is key. In fact, Michelle says the only way a relationship can really thrive is if you’re on the same page regarding your wants and needs. Also! Since relationships are always evolving, it’s a good idea to continue checking in as you move forward-being on the same page now doesn’t mean you will be a year from nowmunication, folks! It’s a must.
Whether you’re trying to puzzle out where you stand with a good someone special or perhaps casually mapping from rest of your existence (NBD!), we have found a peek at a dozen sorts of intimate relationships you could potentially have, between supes relaxed to lifelong commitment.
1. Flirty Household members
Playful intimacy + boundaries = flirty relationships, explains Miles. Basically, that is a relationship having a beneficial tend to it, wouldn’t it ability. These relationships are typically regarding the an ego increase and you will adventure without having any actual exposure or connection. There’s an appeal under the individuals friendly vibes, and it also normally comes with anything from form body language and you will flirtatious words in order to personal feelings and thoughts, Michelle says.
While, yes, teasing is actually enjoyable austria ladies for marriage and these types of relationships are great if you just want the ego boost, Miles says because relationships can (and do) evolve, this has the potential to be the start of something much bigger. Granted, that means someone would have to consensually break the boundary, but the friends-to-lovers trope is famous in shows, movies, and books for a reason, folks!
2. Family unit members Having Advantages
Sometimes when flirty friendships are taken to the next level without commitment or expectations, they turn into more. Enter: sex friends or household members that have pros (FWB). Essentially, you’re pals in every sense, except the sexual boundaries are gone and you hook up either occasionally or regularly. There’s an agreement that you enjoy each other’s company and the function is physical, adventurous, casual, and fun, Miles explains.
That said, Michelle notes that these relationships can get tricky because there *could* be an emotional component involved that isn’t talked about. It’s crucial both parties consent to just being casual, intimate friends, she says. Also, FWIW: Miles suggests having a rule about practicing safe sex in case other partners are involved, so be sure to get specific condoms before meeting up with your FWB.