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 intimate rendezvous. But from first 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.

Get why not try this out access to *All* away from Cosmo

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with every connection, which is often how harmful relationship come to be. A match 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 online 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: Identifying 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’re racking your brains on where you’re that have a that special someone or casually mapping from rest of the lives (NBD!), we have found a glance at several kind of romantic relationship you could potentially keeps, between supes casual to help you lifelong partnership.

step 1. Flirty Members of the family

Playful intimacy + boundaries = flirty relationships, shows you Kilometers. Fundamentally, this is exactly a friendship who has a usually they, would not it element. These types of dating are generally about an ego boost and thrill without having any actual risk or relationship. You will find an appeal below the individuals friendly vibes, also it usually includes many techniques from type gestures and you may flirtatious terms and conditions to romantic feelings and thoughts, Michelle says.

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-couples trope is famous in shows, movies, and books for a reason, folks!

dos. Relatives With Professionals

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 having 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 some condoms before meeting up with your FWB.