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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 times 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* off Cosmo

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with every connection, which is often how dangerous dating come to be. A match relationships 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 dating video 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: Defining the connection 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 bride Corfu are racking your brains on where you are with an effective special someone or simply just casually mapping from the rest of your own existence (NBD!), is a peek at 12 form of personal dating you can provides, between supes relaxed to help you lifelong union.

step 1. Flirty Family members

Playful closeness + limits = flirty relationships, explains Miles. Generally, that is a friendship that has an excellent often it, won’t it ability. This type of relationship are typically on the a pride boost and you can adventure without any actual exposure otherwise partnership. There can be an interest less than men and women friendly vibes, and it also usually boasts anything from kind gestures and flirtatious conditions to close feelings and thoughts, Michelle states.

While, yes, teasing is actually enjoyable 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. Family With Masters

Sometimes when flirty friendships are taken to the next level without commitment or expectations, they turn into more. Enter: sex friends or members of the family that have positives (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 capture some condoms before meeting up with your FWB.