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 personal rendezvous. But from earliest 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 Miles.

Access *All* from Cosmo

Little Rock, SC women for dating

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with every connection, which is often how toxic relationships come to be. A fit matchmaking 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 matchmaking game 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: Determining the partnership 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.

Regardless if you are trying to puzzle out where you stand having a beneficial that special someone or just casually mapping from rest of the lives (NBD!), the following is a glance at twelve variety of romantic matchmaking you might provides, anywhere between supes casual so you’re able to lifelong connection.

step 1. Flirty Family members

Lively closeness + boundaries = flirty relationships, teaches you Kilometers. Basically, this can be a friendship who’s a great tend to they, won’t it function. This type of dating are usually regarding the an ego raise and you may thrill with no genuine exposure otherwise relationship. Discover an interest lower than those friendly vibes, plus it generally speaking is sold with many techniques from form body language and flirtatious terms to intimate thoughts and feelings, Michelle claims.

While, yes, flirting is fun 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-people trope is famous in shows, movies, and books for a reason, folks!

dos. Household members Having Masters

Sometimes when flirty friendships are taken to the next level without commitment or expectations, they turn into more. Enter: sex friends or nearest and dearest with benefits (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 take specific condoms before meeting up with your FWB.