The founders of Smash were fortunate to recently spend time with the fantastic team at DatingAdvice.com to share more about the innovative casual dating concept took hold to make dating more fun and less frustrating for millions of users worldwide. Take a read of the article here where we go through the app’s concept in more detail and offer some tips on how to approach dating with the right mindset and achieve your desired outcome.

DatingAdvice.com is home to the web’s top dating experts.

Let’s speak about hook-up culture, ladies. It’s natural to feel bad after a hook-up but don’t. Society makes us feel like we’re doing something terrible, yet between 60 and 80 percent of North American college students do it. 

Yes, you read it correctly: hooking up is normal! It’s a natural part of life; we shouldn’t feel bad about it. Though not feeling guilty about it might be difficult, there are ways to ease the worry. How? With knowledge

Throughout this post, we’ll go through the hook-up culture and how you may lessen the anxiety that comes with it.

Understanding Hook-up Culture

A hook-up culture is one in which casual sexual interactions are the norm. Hooking up was formerly frowned upon, but it’s now an accepted part of the dating scene. These “Hook-ups” might range from a one-night stand to friends with benefits to anonymous sex.

An essential thing to remember is that hook-up culture is nothing to be embarrassed by. In fact, it allows young people to explore their sexuality and discover what they want in a partner.

But, as we all know, not worrying or feeling guilty is easier said than done. Typically, this culture doesn’t fit with traditional values and relationship views. As a result, it may cause guilt, particularly for women who may feel they are not living up to society’s standards.

Why Do You’ve Pre- and Post-Hook-up Anxiety?

Hook-up anxiety, as previously said, occurs. And no, this isn’t just for before hook-ups; it’s also after. Women experience this for a variety of reasons.

One of the key reasons is that society expects women to be more restrained when it comes to casual sex. This expectation stems from the belief that women should be viewed as pure and innocent, whereas males are permitted to be sexually promiscuous.

Additionally, self-doubt and fear of rejection can contribute to this anxiety. Women may be concerned about what the other person will think of them after the hook-up or whether they will be judged for being “easy.”

But keep in mind that you’re in charge of your romantic life and should not feel guilty about wanting to hook up.

Can You Reduce This Worry of Hook-ups?

Of course! Any anxiety may be handled since it starts in our minds. There are several methods for reducing hook-up anxiety. Some of the most effective are the following:

• Don’t compare yourself to others – Everyone’s hook-up experiences are unique, so don’t compare yourself to others. It’s easy to believe that everyone else is always hooking up and that you’re the only one who isn’t. But this isn’t the case.
• Be honest with yourself – Be honest about what you want from a hook-up, and don’t do it if you’re uncomfortable. It’s critical to understand your motives for hooking up and ensure that you’re doing it for the right reasons. And remember, a relationship is possible from a hook-up, but never the main goal, as 63% of college students get into relationships after a casual hook-up. 
• Surround yourself with supportive friends – Surround yourself with individuals who support and accept your decisions. Having a solid social network might help you feel more confident in your decisions and lessen emotions of guilt and worry.

• Communicate your boundaries – It’s critical to be honest about what you want from a hook-up. This may help relieve any fears you have about the interaction. Knowing your limits and communicating them to the other person might help you feel more in control of the situation.
• Practice self-care – Self-care means taking care of yourself both physically and mentally before and after a hook-up. This might include getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising. It’s also vital to take time after a hook-up to reflect on your feelings and emotions and to discuss them with a trusted friend or family member. 

These tips can help you make the hook-up culture look less worrisome. We recommend using them since they will make your experience more pleasurable and enjoyable.

Knowing What You Want Can Also Help… 

You shouldn’t only include the above tips; generally, knowing what you want from the hook-up culture can help massively. 

It can help since you will understand what you want and can communicate it to the other person. This way, everybody is on the same path and knows exactly what each person wants/desires. 

With the hook-up scene, you’ll be surprised that various “options” exist. These consist of the following: 

• Friends with benefits – A sexual connection between two friends that is not serious. It can be a way to experiment with physical closeness without the pressure of a romantic commitment.
• One-night stand – A one-night stand is a one-time sexual encounter with no expectation of further contact. It may be a means to satisfy a bodily craving without making an emotional investment.
• Anonymous sex – This refers to a sexual interaction with someone whose identity is unknown. It may be a safe place to experiment with sexuality without fear of criticism or rejection.

• Casual dating – Casual dating is when two people are casually dating but aren’t committed to each other (like friends with benefits but a different name). This hook-up type might allow you to try out new partners and experiences without the pressure of exclusivity.
• Short-term relationships – Short-term relationships have an end date or aren’t meant to be long-term. This hook-up might provide friendship and intimacy without committing to a long-term engagement.

Knowing what you want from a hook-up might help you feel more in control and lessen emotions of guilt and worry. Therefore, if you’re feeling hook-up anxiety, we strongly recommend you better understand what you want. 

So, Is Casual Dating Bad? 

As you can see, casual dating or the hook-up culture is okay for women and men. It’s a part of life; you shouldn’t feel guilty about exploring it. 

Remember, you’re in charge of your sexual life, and you should not allow society’s standards to influence your decisions; it’s your life, so live it!

If you want to hook up with someone, then download Smash. It’s a great place to find that cheeky hook-up and is available on iOS and Android.

Relationships… It’s a confusing topic. Especially nowadays, with Millenials and the upper ages of Gen Z. Why? Well, young people aren’t urgently looking for serious relationships anymore. 

The dating scene has changed from what it once was. Back in the day, men and women fought for each other because finding a partner 50+ years ago was challenging, as social media or Smash didn’t exist. 

And now, dating options for everyone are endless, and it’s possible to connect with people worldwide. You don’t need to find a “traditional” relationship quickly; you can explore other options, like something casual. 

Wait, casual? Yes, dating doesn’t need to be serious. It can just be fun, and that’s it. No commitments, seriousness, or heartbreaks, just fun. 

Sounds interesting, right? It’s a relationship style that many younger people are seeking nowadays. But what does something casual mean?

What is a “Casual” relationship? 

A casual relationship is exactly what it sounds like. It’s laid-back! It’s simply a couple that isn’t as serious as a monogamous relationship. 

Casual relationships are whatever you make them! But usually consist of one of the following: 

• Fling – No-strings-attached relationship centered on sexual friends and enjoyment
• Friends with benefits (FWB) – Combines two people’s friendships with an element of sexual closeness.
• A booty call – One person contacts the other for casual sex with no other emotional connection.
• Open relationship – Consists of a primary romantic or sexual partnership, but both partners are free to explore other relationships.

Why do people have casual relationships?

It’s clear to see the difference between casual and serious relationships. And, for some, it’s easy to choose between them. 

Typically speaking, people want something casual because:

• It allows for sexual pleasure without a strong relationship commitment. 
• It lets people explore their sexual or romantic interests without any long-term dedication. 
• It’s free of the limitations of traditional relationships, allowing you to seek other romantic or sexual experiences without any concerns.

As you can see, somebody who enjoys casual relationships wants more freedom. They don’t want to commit long-term or emotionally because they might not like it getting in the way of their careers, goals, or life. 

How can you find a casual relationship on a dating app? 

Casual dating is becoming more popular yearly, with around 15% of Americans actively seeking one. And luckily, it’s becoming easier and easier to find casual relationships due to dating apps. 

When you use a dating application, increase your chances of finding a relationship of this style by: 

• Being honest and clear with your intentions from the get-go.
• Respecting other people’s feelings and dating desires.
• Using a dating app’s filter features and target those looking for this type of relationship. 

There isn’t a “quick” way to find someone else looking for a casual relationship. It’s all about searching, being transparent, finding someone you like, and reaching a casual relationship agreement. But if you want it bad enough, you’ll certainly get it! 

Find your friends with benefits!

If you’re interested in a casual relationship, start searching for a partner. Smash is dedicated to casual dating and is free for Android and iOS.