While more people are struggling with debt, bills, and unexpected expenses, many consider turning to outside income methods.
For some, the appeal of sugar dating is luring and appealing.
Sugar dating is a transactional style of dating; it is traditionally categorized as an older, wealthier partner connecting with a younger partner in need of financial assistance.
How do People Find Sugar Daddies?
Sourcing out these relationships is an essential component of any relationship, no differently than traditional dynamics.
Individuals will frequently join a sugar daddy app, website, or platform and complete the profile.
For the individual needing financial assistance, a strong emphasis on physical appearance, desires in life, and financial need is often included.
Users will upload photographs or videos onto the platform along with their current location (typically in the form of a city or state).
For those wanting to source company from others, there is often a strong dependence on financial capacity.
Users will often include what type of company they’re looking for, whether it’s an emotional connection, someone to talk to, or a physical companion.
If sugar daddies are looking for travel companions, this may also be listed.
Establishing Guidelines for Sugar Relationships
Before joining any platform, it’s crucial to define what you need from the relationship.
Determine whether you’ll be seeing one person or if you’d like ongoing relationships with multiple people.
Take the time to determine what level of interaction you’re comfortable with; are you okay with occasional dates on the town? Do you prefer traveling or visiting new places?
How do you feel about ongoing communication with this individual?
Often there is a strong connection required between both partners; they need to be more than superficial.
Emotional attachment is a strong motivator for financial compensation. Engaging in a healthy, nurturing relationship is more important to most people than sexual relations.
Some dynamics will require physical intimacy, making your boundaries a vital component to establish early on.
Isn’t Sugar Dating the Same as being a Sex Worker?
The critical difference between sex work and sugar dating is the definition of the relationship.
While sex wor is is a transactional experience, a sugar relationship is ongoing and mutual between the two partners.
Although some would indicate that a sugar dynamic is a form of sex work, many within the community would disagree with this definition.
With every relationship being unique in its own way, partners can define what they’re looking for individually.
Are There Risks to Sugar Dating?
As with any dating dynamic, sugar relationships aren’t without risk.
As there is a differing power dynamic between the sugar daddy and sugar baby (often in terms of financial resources), the relationship can become exploitive in nature.
When a woman faces an economic disadvantage, she’s more likely to engage in activities she’d typically turn down.
For instance, someone that strongly disagrees with prostitution may justify having sexual relationships with wealthier partners.
Likewise, the power struggle can continue in terms of coercion.
When a sugar daddy propositions the sugar baby to perform a specific act outside of her comfort level, most will refuse to pay the allowance unless she complies.
Depending on the financial situation, sugar babies may agree with the act to secure the funds.
How to Secure Safe Arrangements with Sugaring
Remaining safe within this lifestyle needs to be a top priority. For many, the desire to receive financial compensation can be a strong lure to bend the terms of your arrangement.
It’s important to discuss those terms and requirements before agreeing to meet with the sugar daddy.
Ask the gentleman what he’s looking for from the relationship.
Some may want occasional encounters. Others may wish to communicate with their sugar baby regularly.
If you’re comfortable with sexual encounters, determine which activities are within your limits.
Make sure that any gentleman you’re talking to has a strong understanding of what you’re comfortable with; after all, this is a mutual relationship for both parties.
Always consider what type of arrangements you want long-term.
Not every sugar daddy is comfortable handing over cash monthly. Some prefer to treat the girls they see with gifts, trips, bill payments, or excursions.
It’s important to understand what you’re looking for long-term, especially when finding a good match.
For example, if you’re looking for a weekly allowance and a potential partner only wants to treat his sugar baby through trips, meals, and excursions, it may not be an ideal setup.
Like your boundaries, it’s essential to make your wishes known.
Always have an open and honest conversation about any financial gifts or compensation that’s going to occur.
Explain what you’re looking for and whether it’s compatible with your potential partner.
Remember, most sugar daddies are used to having these conversations with women but will seldom bring it up independently.
The woman is in financial need, so it’s important to speak up about what those needs entail.
Always Protect Your Privacy
When creating an online profile, sugar daddies are liable to investigate almost everyone they talk to on the platform.
It’s nothing personal, but someone will verify the person’s likeness (and photographs) before sending over any type of financial compensation.
Make sure that any photos you have on the apps or platforms aren’t posted anywhere else online.
Likewise, try to keep any information posted on the profile generic (while still appealing).
Don’t include any personally identifying details in the photographs or profile information for your ongoing safety.