Can you turn sex into a solid romantic relationship?

As the world becomes more and more of a “hookup” culture, the chances of finding ourselves in relationships that start off sexual without the intent of a commitment are high. There’s always the possibility that later we may even discover that we like that person for more than the physical aspects they bring to the relationship. This leads us to ask ourselves if hooking up can really turn into something more lasting. I have often heard many people say that casual sex never results in a long-term relationship. But the reality of how hookups, casual sex, and one-night stands end are actually quite different than what people expect.

Traditional ways of courtship no longer exist. We meet the majority of our future prospects through dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. Apps that allow you to scan through potential mates the way you would look for something like a car or a house. Judging people based on arbitrary stats that gives you no inclination as to what kind of person someone truly is. So it’s no wonder why people are not sure if hookups lead to anything significant.

But I have really good news! According to Match’s Annual Survey of Unmarried Americans:

...A quarter of singles have converted a one-night stand into a long-term relationship.

In a Washington Post article, Helen Fisher, famed biological anthropologist and Chief Scientific Adviser at Match, says that casual sexual relations serve an important purpose, can have wonderful outcomes (when safe and consensual), and can often develop into serious partnerships.

In addition, A recent study from the University of Iowa found that a significant percentage of current relationships began with nonromantic sex.

There is hope. Although it can happen it requires communication and both parties to mutual desire a meaningful relationship. Here are three ways to turn casual sex into something more serious.

1. Watch the clues. The best way to see if your hookup is taking the relationship to the next level is to pay attention to what your partner says and does. Does he or she text you only at night? Or do they text you to solely interact with you? The closer you pay attention to the clues your partner is giving you, the more you will understand whether or not they are ready to take the relationship further.

2. Spend time together. Taking the relationship out of the bedroom will allow you to develop a better connection that can lead to something long term. Be proactive in spending time together. Ask that person on a much more conventional date like a party or going to the movies. This will enable you to see the person in a different light and begin the steps to changing the dynamic of the relationship.

3. Tell them how you feel. Nothing beats being honest. If you really are ready to turn a casual partner into something more significant, the best thing to do is to talk to them about how you are feeling. If they are positive to the change, great! But if they are resistant then move on. It’s never worth being with someone who doesn’t want to be with you.

Now a days women are gaining more independence financially, politically, and culturally. The rules of coupling are changing. This will definitely lead to a more open view about the way men and women interact with each other in romantic relationships. Remember that you have your own journey. Everyone gets to where they want to be in different ways and that includes long term relationships like marriage. Even if that means starting off as a hookup.