Do you suspect that your hookup is starting to catch feelings for you? Maybe they’ve been sending you good morning texts, or perhaps they’ve been trying to make plans for the future that go beyond just hooking up.
It can be a bit overwhelming and confusing, especially if you don’t share those feelings and have no intention of turning this into a serious relationship.
In situations like these, it’s important to recognize the signs and address them before things get too complicated.
If your gut is telling you that your side piece is catching feelings, it’s time to pay attention and take action.
So let’s take a look at some signs that your casual partner may be getting emotionally attached.
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Signs Your Side Piece is Catching Feelings
1. They text you more often
If your side piece has started texting you more often than before – sending good morning messages, checking in throughout the day, or engaging in deeper conversations, it could be a sign that they’re growing attached.
For example, instead of only texting you late at night to see if you’re available, they might start sharing personal stories or asking for your opinions.
In this case, try setting boundaries by discussing how often you prefer to stay in touch and stick to them.
You could say something like, “I enjoy talking to you, but I’m pretty busy during the day and prefer to chat in the evenings.”
2. They show interest in your life
When your hookup starts asking about your family, work, hobbies, or plans, it often means that they’re trying to get to know you on a deeper level.
If this makes you uncomfortable, gently remind them that you are in a casual relationship because you’d like to keep things light and fun.
Note: While casual relationships can be a lot of fun, it is important to perform regular testing to make sure you stay healthy.
3. They start making plans
If your side piece starts suggesting weekend getaways, attending events together, or planning other activities outside the bedroom, it could mean that they’re looking for something more serious.
They might mention a concert happening next month or talk about going on a road trip together.
To address this, be direct about your intentions and let them know that you prefer to keep things casual.
You can say something like, “I enjoy spending time with you, but I’m not looking for a serious relationship at the moment. I hope you understand and are okay with keeping our relationship as it is now.”
4. They introduce you to their friends
If your casual partner starts inviting you to hang out with their friends or wants to meet yours, it could be a sign that they want to include you in their personal life.
In this case, explain that you prefer keeping your private life separate from your social life.
You can say something like, “I appreciate the invitation, but I’d like to keep our relationship more private.”
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5. They get jealous
If your side piece starts showing signs of jealousy when you mention spending time with others or dating other people, it might mean that they’re becoming more emotionally invested in you.
They may ask invasive questions about other people you’re spending time with or make passive-aggressive comments about your other relationships.
This jealousy can stem from a fear of losing you or not being enough for you.
Address this by having a conversation about what each of you expects from the relationship, and reassure them that you’re still committed to keeping things casual.
6. They give you gifts
If your casual partner starts giving you gifts or surprises, it may mean they’re catching feelings.
These gifts could range from things like a keychain with your favorite animal to more expensive gestures, like tickets to your favorite band’s concert.
To avoid leading them on, let them know that while you appreciate the gift, you don’t want to create any false expectations.
You can say something like, “This is really thoughtful, but I just want to make sure we’re on the same page about keeping things casual.”
7. They prioritize spending time with you
If your side piece starts canceling plans with others to spend time with you, it could indicate that their feelings for you are growing stronger.
This level of commitment might be a sign that they’re beginning to view your relationship as more than just a casual hookup.
Be honest with them about how often you’d like to meet up and set clear boundaries so they don’t get the wrong impression.
8. They act more affectionate
If your hookup becomes increasingly affectionate and starts holding hands, cuddling after hooking up or giving unexpected hugs, they might be developing an emotional attachment.
Talk about your comfort levels and preferences regarding physical affection, and let them know if certain things make you feel uneasy.
9. They want to spend the night
If your casual partner starts suggesting sleepovers or spending the night together after hooking up, it could be a sign they’re looking for more intimacy.
These overnight stays might involve cuddling, having breakfast in bed, or even doing something romantic the following day.
10. They try to impress you
If your hookup begins dressing up for dates, taking you to fancy places, or trying to impress you in other ways, it might mean that they’re catching feelings.
This behavior can indicate that they’re hoping to change the status of your relationship to something more exclusive.
Discuss with them the nature of your relationship and your intentions moving forward, clarifying that you’re not looking for anything serious.
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11. They start talking about their feelings
When your side piece opens up about their emotions and shares their thoughts and feelings with you, it could mean that they’re becoming emotionally invested in you.
They might share personal stories, discuss their insecurities, or express their hopes and fears to deepen your emotional connection.
This vulnerability can be a clear sign that they see you as more than just a casual partner.
12. They start hinting at exclusivity
If your casual partner starts hinting at or directly asks for exclusivity, it’s a clear sign that they’ve caught feelings.
They may say things like, “I don’t want to see other people,” or ask if you’re dating anyone else.
This desire for exclusivity could stem from a fear of losing you or a need for stability and security in the relationship.
Be upfront about what you want from the relationship and whether exclusivity is something you’re interested in.
13. They want to meet your family
If your side piece mentions wanting to meet your family or invites you to meet theirs, it could mean that they are looking for something long-term.
This desire to connect with your family means that they’re hoping to become a more integral part of your life.
Let them know that meeting family members is something reserved for more serious relationships in your view, and reassure them that you value your time together but prefer to keep things casual.
14. They leave personal items at your place
If your casual partner begins leaving personal items at your home, like clothing, toiletries, or sentimental items, it could be a sign they’re becoming more attached.
Be clear about your expectations regarding personal belongings and space, and let them know if you’d prefer that they take their items with them.
15. They enjoy pillow talk
If your side piece starts engaging in deep conversations after hooking up, it might indicate that they’re seeking a deeper emotional connection.
These discussions might revolve around personal feelings, plans, or the nature of your relationship – all topics that suggest they’re looking for something more exclusive.
16. They get upset if you don’t respond right away
If your casual partner becomes upset or anxious when you don’t respond to their messages right away, it could mean that they’re becoming emotionally dependent on you.
This reliance on constant communication may be because of their insecurities or fears about the stability of your relationship, and it can signal that they view you as more than just a casual fling.
17. They show signs of possessiveness
If your side piece starts acting possessive, they’ve likely caught feelings.
They might make comments indicating that they view you as “theirs” or become irritated if others show interest in you.
Discuss what each of you expects from the relationship and set boundaries, making it clear that you value your independence and prefer to keep things casual.
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