Each person has different expectations from relationships, with some people looking for a long-term partnership and others preferring casual dating. This depends on many factors, including the stage of life someone is at, personal experiences of relationships, lifestyle and other commitments.
Before you embark on the dating process, it is important to know what your personal expectations are and what you want from a relationship. Weighing up the pros and cons of casual dating compared to serious dating can help to decide which is best for you.
Emotional Commitment
If you want an emotionally committed relationship, then serious dating is the better option for you. In this type of relationship, you will have companionship, trust, respect and, potentially, love. On the other hand, if you are not ready to be part of an emotionally committed relationship, then casual dating might be the preferable option for you as you can keep things relaxed and fun.
Physical Relationships
The physical aspect of a relationship is the most important element for some people, but for others this is a lower priority than other factors, such as love, companionship and shared experiences. Casual dating is ideal for people who are looking solely for a physical relationship or do not have the time to focus on creating a loving and fulfilling relationship. If you want to take things slowly and develop a bond with someone before embarking on the physical side of a relationship, then serious dating is better suited to you.
Fun Experiences
Both serious dating and casual dating are fun in different ways. Casual dating offers excitement and the chance to share new experiences with different people. There is also the possibility of sexual thrills. If you are in a serious relationship, you are likely to be compatible with that person and share similar interests. This means you can enjoy fun activities together that interest you both and share new experiences as an unstoppable team. You can also have fun getting to know each other better before moving on to the next stage in your relationship.
Time and Responsibilities
Your lifestyle can impact significantly on the type of relationship you want. During periods of your life when you have little free time and a lot of responsibilities, casual dating may be preferable to serious dating. You can choose to meet people only when you have time and it is convenient to you. In a serious relationship, you have to give more of your time on a regular basis, which may mean you have to juggle your other responsibilities.
Shared Expectations
Regardless of which type of dating suits you best, it is essential that you only date people who have the same expectations of a relationship as this will prevent issues or disappointment along the way. You should be clear about what you want from the start and clarify that they have the same views about dating as you do.
There is no right or wrong way to date and what suits one person is not necessarily right for someone else. Comparing the pros and cons of serious dating versus casual dating will help you to decide which type of relationship best meets your needs, then you can head down the right route to happiness with gusto.