With the increased popularity of non-committed intimate relationships, it’s come to a point where everyone is in the middle of one of those “friends with benefits” kind of situations.

Whether or not you want to go public with the frivolities, the fact remains that not everyone is on the same wavelength when it comes to a casual relationship, where the bedroom is the main course and no one sticks around for dessert.

The greatest peril of a casual relationship is that on most occasions one person ends up with the blunt edge of the deal.  The best way to make sure it doesn’t end ugly is to know when a relationships is sneaking up on your casual and here’s a list of signs that she’s bargaining for more than you want to sell.

Routine dates

If Sunday is movie night with her and you find yourself skipping church and a game of basketball to be with her, you my friend are in quite a bit of trouble. Couples in relationships also set up untold rules and invisible boundaries, if you’re making time for her at the expense of your other interests and commitment clearly the relationship isn’t very casual.

Pet names

A pet name refers to a term of endearment that couples often give to each other, a sort of secret, coded language that heightens the bond between two people. Pet names can seem harmless enough and even kind of cute, but a grown man should never be called munch-kins. Any pet names which refer to stuffed animals and sweet foods are a clear sign that you need to run.

Public displays of affection

The very basis of kissing, holding hands and hugging in public boils down to marking territory. If she holds your hand in public that’s the human equivalent of a dog peeing on a lamp post to mark its territory.

While it’s entirely up to you whether or not you want to be peed on, I suggest you run. Think about it, why would any girl want to announce to the world that you’re getting in bed together but you’ll aren’t a couple? It’s basic logic.

Keeping in touch

If your friend with benefits is on the other end of the line on most occasions you have the phone to your ear, it’s a clear indication that she’s in it for the long haul, either that or she has no life and she’s bound to want something more from you eventually, both of which isn’t very good news.

Introductions

If you find yourself at a family lunch and you’re sitting next to her instead of her insanely attractive sister, you have a problem. Being introduced to the family and close friends except under unavoidable circumstances usually spells out trouble in capitals, and the worst of it is that it’s harder to run once you get ensnared in family tree. Make an exception for this situation, forget running and teleport.

It’s not always a good time

If along the way you trade your happy endings for walks on the beach, you’re losing focus. It’s fine if on the odd occasion when her dog dies, you find her crying and have to console her before you get her in bed but if the sex is losing emphasis, there’s a bit of an issue isn’t there?

Toothbrush syndrome

“Admire a girl for her practicality when she brings a tooth brush to your house. Fear the girl who leaves one behind, for she has begun moving in and this is her first little suitcase.”

Whoever it is that wrote this deserves the Booker Prize. Enough said.

Fantasizing

If you find your lady friend is fantasizing about ivory sand beaches instead of garters, you might need to re-evaluate your situation. Women quickly lose sight of their present predicaments, hoping for better futures which often don’t include sex.

By Dilshan Senaratne