If You're Just Hooking Up: What Not To Do

Successful relationships take equal amounts of work and effort from both partners. But when you’re not in an official relationship (equivalent to an “it’s complicated” on Facebook), it can be unclear just how much work you’re really supposed to put in. We’ve compiled five absolute no-no’s if you’re just friends with benefits.

DO NOT: Get upset when other people greet them at a party. Don’t ruin your night over something this small. Besides, jealousy is never becoming.

DO NOT: Blow up their phone because last time you spoke was a whole two days ago. This rule is essential in establishing what we call self-sufficiency. Make yourself happy instead of depending on others for satisfaction. Plus, busy is the new cool – or they’re playing hard to get.

DO NOT: Interrogate them about semi-flirty comments on Facebook. This conversation always goes downhill. It’s not the time in your friendship to become controlling. Nobody likes answering to someone or, worse, feeling like they’re being stalked. Please do a better job of hiding it.

DO NOT: Go through their phone or email. An ultimate no-no. It’s never okay to go through someone else’s phone. You’re just demonstrating insecurity.

DO NOT: Talk to your friends about them as though you’re in a relationship. Most people learn about this rule the hard way. There’s no need for your friends to know every detail about last night. By no means does this mean that you have to keep juicy details a secret, but just know the whole world doesn’t really care what goes on behind closed doors.

Abiding by these rules will ensure that you don’t become too attached to someone who may not be as dependable as you would like (or maybe you’re okay with that too). This will also allow you to be in control of the situation.