“I’m not ready for a real relationship yet, but let’s just keep this casual, okay?” This phrase is all too familiar to numerous hopeless romantics around the world, and the word “casual” has been tossed around, especially in this day and age.
What exactly defines a casual relationship, though? Is it as bad as it seems, or can it be a good thing? Casual can be interpreted in different ways. Some say casual means prioritizing lust over love, while some say that casual means not rushing things, and defining it as the “talking stage.”
“Casual to me is doing the lustful components of a relationship but not really doing the romantic parts, like going on dates or buying flowers. It’s keeping the relationship surface level without any real emotional attachment. I think if both people genuinely only want a casual relationship it can be fine, but the hard part is when one person wants it and the other doesn’t,” Miami Palmetto Senior High senior Kaylee Massipe said. “I think the difference between the talking stage and a casual relationship is with a talking stage, you are still willing to open up yourself to the other person, but still not knowing the other person fully. Keeping it casual I think defeats the purpose of dating.”
Labeling a relationship as “casual” can allow people to downplay a relationship. Hook-up culture has become prominent over the years, and people have started to prioritize this over genuine relationships. However, is there a flip side?
Labels can ruin a relationship. Placing one too fast can make one feel pressured, so some may just say casual.
“I think sometimes casual can be beneficial, and allow the relationship and people in it to grow without the stress and expectations that come with the boyfriend-girlfriend title. By labeling the relationship as casual, one can continue to get to know the person without being rushed,” senior Arianna Sanz said.
The concept of a casual relationship is subjective, varying from person to person. While some may see it as a way to avoid emotional relationships, others may view it as a stepping stone to something deeper. Whether casual relationships are freeing or frustrating all depends on the individuals involved and their expectations. No matter how casual something starts, emotions are rarely as simple as a label.
