Ashayla Blakely

Let’s get to the nitty-gritty — not everyone is looking for serious dating, and that’s OK. But what’s not OK is omitting that truth. Certain casual dating rules should be followed to ensure honesty and respect for both parties. First, make sure you’re on the same page with your date. Be upfront about your intentions (as in, “I’m looking for something casual”). By doing so, you’re giving people the choice to date casually or walk away if it’s not for them.

During undergrad, my dating life was a lot of trial and error. And some of my best dating experiences came from double dating with my best friend. I met this guy, and although I knew him from class, I still didn’t feel like I knew him. So, I did what every college student does when they’re nervous about being alone with a guy—I brought my bestie with me. And I’m happy I did because not only did I feel more comfortable, but it was nice to see my bestie make a new connection as well.

Online interaction is currently at an all-time high. People are no longer afraid to use the web to find romance, friendships, or any other desired relationship. Of course, it wasn’t always this way — the online dating user base has evolved. But this didn’t happen overnight. Thanks to advancements in technology and cultural shifts, online dating changed from being just a niche activity people participated in out of boredom to a practical way to find connections near and far.