Nowadays, it isn’t uncommon for people to have casual relationships. Whether it is a friends-with-benefits affair or just a romantic relationship without committing to each other, casual dating often sounds like a win-win situation. You get all the benefits a real relationship offers, without the fighting and pressure that usually come along.
However, casual doesn’t always stay casual. In some cases, a relationship can start to develop naturally over time and end up being something more serious than when it first started out. One person may begin to fall head over heels in love with their fling and it is up to the other partner to spot the signs early on so they can decide how to proceed.
Because this can be a tricky situation, we have decided to write the ultimate guide about five telltale signs that indicate your casual relationship is getting serious.
5 Huge Signs Your Casual Relationship Is Getting Serious
You talk every day
When you first start dating someone, it often seems like you are playing a part. Whether you have made casual encounters on an online dating app or met at a bar, your first few conversations can feel like an interview process.
But as time passes and you get to know each other more, you begin to learn that you actually enjoy talking to your fling. This is a good sign that you and your partner are developing a deeper connection, are getting closer and are finally ready to take your casual relationship to the next level.
Your emotions are getting stronger
When you are casually dating, you tend to keep your feelings and emotions in check because you don’t want to scare your partner away. However, if you notice that you are slowly becoming more emotionally invested in the relationship, then that could be a sign that you are looking for something more.
The same goes for your partner – if they hold your hand, kiss your forehead and want to spend more time with you even when there is no physical intimacy involved, it is a sign that they are also looking for a serious relationship with you.
You do small gestures
If you remember the little things about each other and show appreciative gestures, then that could also be a sign that your fling is getting more serious. If you go shopping and find something that your casual partner would like, it is an indication that you are in a relationship without knowing.
Also, if you are looking forward to their birthday and have planned something fun or romantic to surprise them with, it means you are catching feelings and want to take your casual encounter to the next level.
You meet their family and friends
Probably the biggest sign that your casual dating isn’t really casual anymore is when you meet your partner’s family and friends. In most cases, friends are the first ones to find out about you, but meeting the family is an even bigger step. Introducing each other to your loved ones simply means that you want to be seen together.
Also, pay attention to how they behave when they run into someone they know on the street when you are together. If they go out of their way to introduce you when they don’t need to, it is a big deal.
They talk about future plans
If your partner starts using “we” when they talk about the future, it is among the signs that they are looking for something more serious with you. They could be planning a weekend trip in the mountains or going for an adventure somewhere together which will be a big hint that they want to experience new things with you.
When you hear them talk this way, it may be time to finally have the conversation about where your current relationship stands so you can decide how to go about it later on.
Final thoughts
While casual relationships may seem like a win-win situation at first, they can easily turn into something serious over time. One or both persons can start developing stronger feelings about each other which can be an indication that they are willing to take their fling to the next level.
Besides this, there are other things that may happen when casually dating which could also be signs that the heat may be just turning up between the two of you. To find out what those signs are, read our guide and learn if your fling is getting serious.
