Urban Dictionary defines hooking up as any form of getting some type of action, such as, making out, feeling things, or oral pleasure or sex between 2 people. A hook up is whats referred to as doing those things when you’re not going out with anyone.
In today’s society, many people do not have time for a relationship, or for some reason have shied away from one. Having a FWB to hook up with to quench our sexual thirsts is pretty much the norm these days. Basically, hooking up is engaging in intimate sexual acts with another person. Hooking up does not imply monogamy or that you’re in relationship or are even dating this person. This can be a one-time occurrence or a type of ongoing sexual relationship that you have with him or her and/or with multiple people.
Hooking up can have many meanings. In my mind, most people typically over-think it. It can be used in many ways. You don’t want to give derails, you say “we hooked up”, you don’t have to give a play by play. You can discuss your sexual encounters without going into detail by keeping things vague and open-ended. Using the term hook up can also alleviate the stigma or judgement that many people may face when they engage in intimate acts with others, especially when having or not having intercourse.
Hooking up has some pros and cons as does everything in life ever! Let’s first look at some of the pros of hooking up. The enjoyment of having a new sexual experience with no strings attached comes to mind first. Maybe you’re just not looking for anything serious, or perhaps you’re not ready for monogamy yet, but you still want to explore your options. Being able to play the field so to speak, is not only exciting and new, you also get to experiment and navigate your sexual compass at your own pace. Not to mention the experience you get under your belt. 😉
Now for the cons of hooking up. You must always keep in mind your physical and emotional health. Not only should you practice being safe physically, you must make your decisions wisely as to not put yourself, or anyone else, in harms way. Also being clear as to what each person wants is key to staying in good shape emotionally. Not understanding what each other wants or expects can lead to one feeling unimportant, disposable, or expendable. Always be clear on your needs and wants so that hooking up is beneficial to everyone involved.
