Does your current relationship have an expiration date? Maybe you’re both graduating, planning on moving soon, or maybe you just know that you’re not in a place to start something where you’re in it for the long haul. Just because you already know that your partnership has a time limit doesn’t invalidate the very real feelings and very real benefits (no, not just that kind) that you can get out of a relationship that’s “just for now”:
- A relationship doesn’t have to last forever for you to learn something from it. Every relationship comes with valuable lessons for the future, even the ones that end badly. Your first relationships teach you how to communicate, how to compromise, and what qualities are non-negotiable for you in a partner.
- Some things are just more fun when you do them in pairs. Let’s face it, when you were single you always felt like you were the only token single girl in your group. And that meant you were often stuck alone on a weekend. Sure, you could go out for coffee or a movie by yourself if you really wanted to, but why not have a partner that you trust and respect that can also serve as your companion?
- Taking away the pressure may actually make your relationship stronger. Especially as you get over, the idea of “together forever” is a consistently looming presence in the background of any relationship. Could he be The One? Maybe, but when you’re thinking so long-term, it’s easy to get scared off and to sabotage your relationship by amplifying all of his negative qualities. When you relax about where your relationship is headed, you can let go and allow yourself to be more vulnerable.
- If you’re still establishing yourself as an adult, a “just for now” relationship keeps you more independent. You’ve got other things on your mind, and you can’t fully commit to your love life. You can leave yourself open to job offers in other states, volunteer to work long hours, or just be open to whatever life throws at you. If he understands that he’s not your very first priority, it gives you more room to maneuver in other areas of your life.
- In serious relationships, sometimes practice really does make perfect. Even if it’s not for good, being in any kind of relationship helps you “practice” being in a relationship and learn from any of your mistakes.
- Love is love, no matter how long it lasts. Just because a relationship doesn’t in marriage and a baby carriage doesn’t mean that the love you shared isn’t valid or can’t be remembered fondly. Enjoy it for what it is, when it is.
- It beats dating a bunch of different guys in the same period of time. If you’re not ready to completely settle down but still want someone to have fun with, being in a “just for now” relationship has a lot to offer over other alternatives, like the crazy world of online dating.
- You won’t be setting yourself up for disappointment if it goes wrong. High hopes, sadly, often lead to high levels of disappointment. By being realistic about where you’re headed, you’ll be less prone to heartbreak later on.
- You can have your cake and eat it, too. Yum.
