How To Handle A Hook-Up Buddy Without Catching Feelings

Handling a hook-up buddy situation isn’t all fun and games.  It is easy and common to develop feelings for your partner when sharing such intimate and close moments.  However, this isn’t always the wanted outcome for both parties.  Here are a few tips on how to handle a hook-up buddy without catching feelings.

Set Expectations Low

It is important to be real with yourself and a hook-up situation.  In most cases, the verdict is that a relationship isn’t in mind.  This means that going out on dates, cuddling on lazy Sundays, and running errands together definitely isn’t in the plans.  If you can accept this before agreeing with yourself to a hook-up buddy circumstance, than you’re ready and prepared to dive into it.  It’s also important to realize that he won’t be acting like a boyfriend or doing small, sweet things for you like you commonly see on social media.  Think of it more as a business deal than a love affair to guard your heart for any let downs.

Be Clear About What You Want

Be Honest with yourself and your partner.  Setting these boundaries in the beginning can help prevent hurt feelings further down the road.  Tell each other what you want to get out of the situation and if both wants align, you’re ready to pursue a hook-up buddy.  If you still find yourself catching feelings later on, tell your partner.  It’s always best to be honest.  If feelings aren’t reciprocated, it is best to end the affair right then and there than drag it out any longer and have more feelings hurt in the process.

Texting Should Be Occasional

This helps to not get attached to your partner.  Talking to someone all day everyday can open a window for a connection and stronger feelings other than lust to develop.  Not saying to avoid any contact with your hook-up buddy, but to keep deep conversations and trying to really get to know each other to a minimum.  This may sound harsh, but it will save you from becoming more attached in this type of situation.

Group Settings Are Good

Although one-on-one dates are off the table, any group setting kind of night out is acceptable while handling a hook-up buddy.  Grabbing drinks with friends at a low-key bar or club with lots of people around and involved in conversation is the perfect way to get out of the house with your partner, converse, and have fun a different way. Also, it usually helps when a little alcohol is involved making you less nervous and relaxed. Cheers.

See Also

10 Obvious Signs Your Relationship Is Ending

Don’t Linger After A Hook-up

This is important hook-up etiquette! Sticking around after a hook-up in the morning or even spending the night can sometimes make it much easier to catch feelings for your partner.  Spending more intimate time together and cuddling scientifically can bring you closer to your hook-up buddy.  The best advice would be to keep it short and sweet.

Need To Vent? Go Elsewhere

If you start to feel stronger feelings other than lust and attraction creeping in, don’t hold it in, but also don’t go to your hook-up buddy and spill right away.  Talking to a best-friend or loved one can really help the process of figuring out feelings and setting things straight in your mind before your mouth just spills them out.  If, in fact, you have developed true feelings for your hook-up buddy it’s always best to tell them and go from there.

Catching feelings is nothing to be ashamed of and happens in a hook-up buddy situation more than you would think.  Be honest with yourself and your partner and follow these tips to help avoid getting hurt feelings along the way.

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