Every kind of relationship, romantic or not, has some rules, spoken or unspoken, that all parties involved should follow. Arrangement relationships or sugar dating relationships are no exception.
Before you dive into the world of sugar daddies and sugar babies, here are some dos and don’ts you should know, and remember to keep the fire in your relationship burning for as long as you want it to!
Dos
· Do clarify confusion right from the get-go.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions about the relationship and how it will work. Do you want a casual relationship where both of you benefit from the setup? Does the other person expect marriage to be the end game of the connection? Do they want several sugar partners at the same time?
Answering these questions will help you establish things from the beginning. For example, if the sugar daddy prefers an emotionally supportive partner, the sugar baby should have an empathic mindset.
On the other hand, if both parties want a no-strings-attached setup, they should decide to simply enjoy the perks that the present moment has to offer.
When clarifying the status of your sugar relationship, always stay curious and neutral to encourage a judgment-free open discussion.
· Do nurture open communication.
Speaking of open discussion, effective and honest communication is critical in sugar dating as this ensures that the two parties will be on the same page at all times. Always be direct and upfront about your desires, expectations, and any concerns you may have.
Check-in with one another as often as you can to evaluate if the arrangement relationship is still satisfying and fulfilling for both of you. Address concerns or conflicts right away and discuss everything with respect for each other. Fostering open communication can help prevent misunderstandings, establish trust, and strengthen your bond.
· Do set clear expectations.
One of the most important facets of sugar dating is to set clear expectations from the early days of the relationship. The two parties must honestly discuss their boundaries, needs, and desires to ward off disappointments or misunderstandings down the line.
Define the specific terms and conditions of the arrangement, such as the nature of the relationship, the frequency of dates or meetings, and the level of financial support. Honest and clear communication is key to establishing a mutually beneficial connection that aligns with the expectations of both parties.
· Do prioritize privacy and safety.
As far as the world of sugar dating is concerned, personal privacy and safety should be your number one priority at all times. Be extra wary every time you share or divulge your personal data such as your workplace, address, or family information. You can also consider using a nickname or pseudonym to keep your identity hidden and protected.
It is also recommended to schedule a personal meeting with a potential sugar partner in a public place for your safety. Listen to your instincts and be careful every time you deal with someone who behaves suspiciously or pressures you into uncomfortable situations.
Protect your privacy by engaging in intimate activities or sharing explicit pictures without establishing a solid foundation of trust first.
· Do put up reasonable boundaries.
A great way of protecting yourself from bad potential partners and scams is to be extra wary of your boundaries. Sadly, manipulators and scammers prefer targeting people who are too eager to please and are unsure of themselves. It means that a stronger sense of self-esteem and self-worth is your best defense in this case.
Knowing and setting your boundaries is the best way to practice this. The following ideas might be of help in this situation:
1. Potential partners should express their willingness to engage in video calls first before scheduling a personal meeting.
2. Potential partners would never use manipulative tactics such as pressure campaigns, backhanded compliments, or love bombing.
3. Potential partners wouldn’t ask for sensitive details such as your exact physical address or bank account information.
4. Potential partners should be willing to meet you at a reasonable time in a public area.
Don’ts
· Don’t talk about benefits early on in the relationship.
It’s perfectly understandable if you’re excited about the thought of meeting a sugar partner. However, you have to be extra cautious and avoid talking about benefits right from the start.
Just so you know, there is this unspoken but important courtship stage that every successful sugar relationship must go through. This lets you establish a personal connection first before you proceed with the negotiation phase.
· Don’t bring your personal problems into the relationship.
It’s tempting to blow off steam and rant to your sugar partner. However, most people will never be interested in seeing you again if you’re constantly talking about negative things. Remember that your sugar partner is only a source of support, not a therapist.
If you always talk about your problems throughout your sugar relationship, it’s best to break off this habit before it gets bad. Try to focus on the present moment and look after your partner instead.
· Don’t focus on the material benefits alone.
Although there’s no denying that financial support is one of the most prominent aspects of arrangement relationships, it’s still imperative to avoid obsessing over material benefits instead of personal growth and emotional connection.
Look for a partner who shares the same aspirations, values, and interests as you. Prioritize establishing a connection more than the financial support alone. Try to foster a real bond that will bring a sense of fulfillment and joy to the two parties.
· Don’t neglect mutual respect.
Respect is the ultimate foundation of healthy relationships including arranged ones. Always treat your sugar partner with the same level of consideration and respect you expect from a traditional relationship.
Honor and understand each other’s personal space, preferences, and boundaries. Have open and honest communication and listen attentively to the concerns and needs of your partner. Keep in mind that since both of you entered the arrangement of your own will, the two of you should feel respected and valued during the length of your relationship.
· Don’t disregard emotional connection.
Although financial arrangements are common in sugar dating, it’s still important to consider the essence of emotional connection. Forming a genuine bond with a sugar partner will improve the experience in general and make the relationship more fulfilling.
Share experiences, engage in insightful discussions, and express interest and care for each other. You have to take note that more than the transactional arrangement; sugar dating should also involve shared intimate moments, companionship, and emotional support.
These are just some good examples of sensible boundaries to help protect you from potentially harmful situations and scammers. Always trust your instincts and follow these dos and don’ts of sugar dating etiquette.