Relationship Status

Amanda Vergara

Cooper Dubuque

Gabriella Sampaio

Group 8

When entering into a sexual or romantic relationship there are many different obligations that need to be taken into account. No matter if the relationship is just a casual fling or the complete opposite, a long term relationship, there are still obligations that one must follow. Although some of these obligations may differ with the severity of the relationship. A casual fling consists of just hooking up here and there. The obligations that are due to each other are completely different in casual fling than those in a long term relationship. A long term relationship consist of the thought that, the relationship will continue to grow forward and there will be more obligations as things get more serious.

Participants in a casual sexual relationship should assume less obligations and commitment to one another than in long term relationship. Its the nature of casual relationships, being less serious, that attracts people looking for casual relationships and the company from the opposite sex; not interested in being confined or accountable by a complex or serious relationship. In pursuit of keeping it casual, less disclosure is appropriate. Exposing relationships or other romantic interests would be immaterial to those expectations and goals of a casual relationship. Religion or other personal traits that could be detrimental to some people in a long term relationship shouldn't affect casual encounters. Basically only admitting to having an STD which would cause lingering physical harm is a moral obligation. If a member of a casual relationship begins changing their expectations to a more serious romantic relationship, they should disclose that to their partner, to avoid confusion and potentially hurt feelings.

In a long term relationship partners are more serious and that has many obligations that should be discussed. As in a casual fling STD’s should be talked about before becoming physically involved. Things like religion might be an important issue to disclose, incase of strong religious beliefs that may cause issues in the future. Other important things to discuss would be marriage and children. If both people are not on the same page about marriage it would not be a good idea to be in a long term relationship together. Disagreeing about marriage could lead to problems when one partner is ready to commit and the other is not. Some other issues that could arise is if the relationship ends in marriage and one partner does not want marriage. This will lead to divorce and will cause a money loss and a waste of time. If people are on the same page before hand no hardship will come. Having children is also another big issue that people should be on the same page before hand. A criminal record should be disclosed with a partner before becoming committed in a long term relationship. A person should know about a criminal record because it can affect the future of the other person.

Things that do not need to be discussed for a long term relationship are past relationships; unless they involve having a child. Past relationships could bring up issues that are not relevant in the new relationship. Also are menial things such as food preferences and clothing preferences.

In a casual fling there are not many things that should be discussed. The more serious a relationship becomes the more partners should disclose to each other. A long term relationship involves partners to discuss important information that would lead to a successful relationship. Therefore the more serious things become the more partners should know about each other.