Are NSA Relationships Healthy?
Have you ever wondered what it's like to embrace casual connections without the weight of commitment? NSA relationships offer this tantalizing blend of freedom and enjoyment, where the only rule is to have fun.
This no-strings-attached idea is common in the dating landscape, as this version of non-monogamy allows you to have your cake… and eat it too!
But before you dive in headfirst, let's unpack the intricacies of NSA dynamics and discover why they're all the rage in today's dating scene!
- NSA relationships offer a liberating experience where individuals can embrace casual connections without the weight of commitment. Participants enjoy the thrill of spontaneity and exploration without the pressure of emotional entanglements.
- In an NSA dynamic, both partners must have a clear understanding of the arrangement from the outset. Transparency and open communication are essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and boundaries.
- Practicing safe sex and prioritizing sexual health is paramount in NSA relationships, especially if individuals are engaging with multiple partners. Regular health checks and open communication about birth control are essential steps to maintain physical well-being.
- While NSA relationships prioritize fun and enjoyment, participants need to be aware of their own emotional needs and boundaries. Individuals should enter into these arrangements with a clear understanding of their desires and be mindful of any potential emotional complexities that may arise.
- When it comes time to end an NSA relationship, honesty and respect are key. Whether it's through a direct conversation or a mutual understanding, both parties should approach the conclusion with empathy and understanding, ensuring that everyone involved feels respected and valued.
- While NSA relationships can offer numerous benefits, they're not suited to everyone. Individuals should assess their own comfort levels and readiness for this type of dynamic, recognizing that feelings may develop unexpectedly and require careful navigation.
What is NSA relationship?
An NSA relationship refers to a no-strings-attached dynamic, whereby neither partner is committed to the other — with the freedom to explore other options without feeling obligated to anyone.
This kind of casual relationship means that you aren’t looking for a deep emotional connection, but are simply enjoying one another’s company, while still exploring other options. This is a more common dynamic in the world of online dating, with many people content with one-night stands or casual sex rather than focusing on finding ‘the one’.
“NSA relationships, like any relationship, are as mentally healthy as the two (or more) people involved,” says Dr. Wednesday Martin, author and social researcher.
“The real issue is never ‘Is this relationship style doomed/unhealthy’ but rather, ‘Are the people involved on the same page, and are they good at processing potential issues and communicating?’”
While hook-up culture has become more dominant, some people are still confused by the rules of a no-strings-attached relationship. If you spend a lot of time with someone and are having a sexual relationship with them, emotions can sometimes get tangled up with your NSA partner — making things more complicated.
Some people may feel very comfortable with an NSA arrangement, as they can get all the perks of a romantic relationship without worrying about commitment.
What does no strings attached mean?
No strings attached means that you have no emotional attachment or commitment to your sexual partner of choice — you’re just having fun!
The opposite of monogamy, it gives individuals the freedom to enjoy multiple sexual encounters and connections without any feelings involved. This kind of open relationship is ideal for people who might want regular sex, but who don’t want to get their feelings hurt.
Therefore, you might be sleeping with this person frequently but the possibility of a long-term relationship or commitment is off the table. Both partners might still be exploring dating sites or going on dates, but neither one is offended or slighted by this behavior.
How do you know if it's an NSA relationship?
Usually, a no-strings-attached idea is stated from the outset, with both parties fully aware that this is not a committed relationship.
Neither person should be kept in the dark about the no-strings dynamic. While some people might start out dating or pursuing something more serious, they might later decide to become friends… but they don’t want to cut out the physical intimacy side of the relationship. This can evolve into a no-strings-attached dynamic, where sex is the priority.
This kind of dynamic is often confused with the traditional friends-with-benefits scenario, where two friends decide to pursue a sexual relationship, with no intention of taking things any further. For example, you might feel really comfortable with this person, so it makes sense to have sex to fulfill your own needs in a convenient and safe agreement.
While there are slight distinctions, within all these dynamics, both partners have to mutually agree on the situation at hand. If one person wants more than the other or develops romantic feelings, it won’t work.
How do you handle an NSA relationship?
When you’re having regular sex with someone, sometimes the lines between sex and love can become a bit blurred. This naturally means that NSA relationships are often fraught with complications.
Therefore, if you’re entering this kind of dynamic, it’s important to know how to handle it effectively to preserve your own feelings and perhaps most importantly, your health.
“A lot of people are surprised to learn that NSA or casual relationships require as many or even MORE relational skills than other relationship styles,” says Dr. Martin.
“NSA should NOT be about dehumanizing people, ghosting, ignoring the person between meet-ups, or otherwise failing to maintain a bond. NSA is still a relationship style and a relationship!”
Before you consider entering this kind of relationship, it’s important to understand your own motivations behind your desire for the NSA dynamic. Honesty on both sides is essential for this kind of relationship to work.
You should be aware of your own needs and desires for this kind of relationship, and if you feel that this carefree dynamic is right for you at this time in your life. If you’re secretly hoping that you’ll have the friends-to-lovers trope, things mightn’t work out for you in the end.
“One of the most important things is to get clear about your own motivations and ask the other person upfront about theirs,” says Dr. Martin.
“Are you doing it to avoid connection? Do you/do they have anxieties about that? Are you doing it just to please the other person, or in the hopes that they will "see the light" and change their minds and want emotional/romantic involvement after you have sex for X number of weeks/months? Or are you in it for the adventure and fun of feeling unattached and for sexual exploration?”
With all of this sorted out, these no-strings-attached relationships can have a lot of perks for people if everyone is happy and consenting to this form of non-monogamy.
On the other side of things, with your mental health and wellness under observation, it’s equally important to prioritize your sexual health if you're interested in non-monogamy. This means practicing safe sex and being aware of your own or your partner’s birth control. If you’re sleeping with multiple people, you owe all your partners the respect of taking steps to prevent the spread of STIs and STDs.
This means having regular health checks and being open with your partner every step of the way.
What are the benefits of NSA relationship?
Are no strings attached healthy?
While some people can have regular sex with no feelings or strings, the intimacy that sex naturally creates can make this situation complicated.
If we learned anything from Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman in their no-strings-attached arrangement (in a movie of the same name), a lot of people end up developing feelings for their NSA partner.
“NSA can be great for all involved if you and the other person can TALK about it,” says Dr. Martin.
“Beware of anyone who is doing NSA just because they don't want to put in any effort or because they lack relational skills and can't be bothered. At its best, an NSA relationship can be spontaneous, relatively low-pressure, and exciting. At worst, it's someone feeling used.”
To avoid any negative repercussions or Hollywood-style heartbreaks, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner about why you want the NSA relationship style.
“Be honest with yourself about your motivations for wanting or accepting NSA,” says Dr. Martin.
“I'm a big proponent of people not judging themselves for the relationship container that works for them. Some people like NSA after ending a long relationship, as a "having fun" period. If that's the case for you, SAY SO to your partner/s. That way they are less likely to feel hurt when things don't "progress" the way our culture says they should, in a straight line from first date to exclusivity to cohabiting/marriage.”
This type of relationship isn’t for everyone, and it can be tough to handle if you’re not honest about why you’re pursuing this relationship style.
What is the best way to end an NSA relationship?
If you’ve developed feelings for someone who solely wants a no-strings-attached dynamic, it’s important to know when to walk away before your feelings get hurt.
With no-strings relationships, ghosting is frequent — as since you technically have no loyalty or responsibility to this person, you don’t owe them the formality of a breakup conversation. If you no longer want to see someone, you don’t have to see them anymore.
This can sting if you’re the one who has developed feelings, as even though you know that it shouldn’t hurt, it does.
If you’re the one who wants to pull the plug (for whatever reason), it’s important to have an honest conversation with your NSA partner about why this situationship kind of structure is no longer benefiting you.
It doesn’t have to be a deep conversation, but it’s the recommended approach so everyone is on the same page! At the end of the day, treat them with the same respect you feel like you deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FWB and NSA?
FWB means friends with benefits, while NSA means no strings attached. While they have similarities, there are some nuanced differences to be aware of. Friends with benefits refers to a relationship dynamic where two individuals, who are friends, engage in both a friendship and sexual activity without the commitment of a romantic relationship. They are usually friends first, with the sexual aspect appearing later on. No strings attached refers to a relationship or encounter without expectations for a committed or ongoing relationship. NSA is more explicitly focused on the absence of emotional commitment. It can be a one-time encounter or a series of casual interactions, but without the expectation of developing deeper emotional ties — therefore it doesn’t involve friendship but convenience.
