The Unexpected Consequences Of A No Strings Attached Relationship

What could possibly go wrong in a relationship that's not bogged down by commitment and only has one objective?

Just about everything.

Known for its no-fuss policy, no strings attached relationships are arrangements that don't require affection or monogamy and are completely centered on sex being the only thing that matters.

This arrangement appeals to those who want to enjoy all the physical aspects of a long-term relationship without forcing a commitment they aren't ready for.

With such a minimal set of rules, one would think this relationship is free of problems. I mean, that's the whole point, isn't it? To get your rocks off and not have to deal with arguing, feelings or anyone telling you what to do?

Unfortunately, these arrangements can get just as messy as any dating scenario or long-term relationship. Here's how these sex-only relationships can become a catastrophe:

You're not having sex.

Obviously, this contradiction deserves a double-take. How could you possibly go without having sex in a relationship that's basically about sex?

Well, because there is no commitment in a no strings attached relationship, there is no priority. You could find yourself on the back burner, while the other person's time is occupied with their career, friends, dog and lazy nights with Netflix.

And because no strings also means no monogamy, your partner could be dating other people, meaning he's less available to be with you. If they're getting sex elsewhere, too, there will be no rush to hook up with you, which means you could go weeks at a time without seeing him.

They're never available.

Not being a priority also sucks when it comes to figuring out schedules. Even if you two hook up for a night of passion, it doesn't mean that it will always happen that day.

If your partner is always swamped with work, they may not always be free when you need them. And it blows to have an itch you need scratched, and your hookup buddy isn't available without putting in a request a week in advance.

One of you may develop feelings.

No matter how hard you try not to, catching feelings is the most common thing to happen in a no-strings situation.

Usually, when people aren't looking for a commitment, chances are, they end up in a hookup situation with someone they'd actually date. And as cold as no strings attached relationships may seem, having a sexual connection with someone is as intimate as it gets.

You may find yourself falling for this person or vice versa, which could complicate everything. Usually, whoever develops feelings will want to change the arrangement you have, while the other person doesn't want to.

After all, the whole point of no strings is to make it clear that the relationship is sex only, and this conflict could make your situation even more awkward.

One of you can become jealous.

Jealousy could present itself in several different ways in a no strings attached relationship. If there are feelings involved, you could become jealous because it's an open relationship, but you don't want your partner seeing other people.

But even if you're not in love and you're happy with your no-strings situation, you could still become jealous of your partner's other love interests, especially if it's evident your partner prefers to dedicate their time elsewhere.

One of you could end up settling down.

Some things aren't made to last forever, and these non-committal relationships are usually one of those things.

You could find yourself wanting to settle down with someone else you met, and starting a monogamous relationship will mean cutting off ties to the person you've been reaching out to for sex.

And even if you haven't met anyone special, there's always the chance your partner could end up in a relationship with someone else. Either way, your comfortable agreement will be a thing of the past.