There’s a lot of lingo to learn when you’re getting started in the world of sugaring. Some abbreviations are pretty straightforward, like SB for sugar baby or SD for sugar daddy. But, you might have stumbled upon one that needs some more clarification: NSA.

First of all, what does NSA mean? No strings attached— simple enough. Okay, but what does that really mean? In this article, we’re going to explain how this concept works in sugaring and how you can make it work for you. Once you’ve gotten to know this idea a little better, you’ll be ready for the SB/SD relationship of your dreams!

What does NSA mean?

No strings attached is one of those phrases that seems simple but needs some explanation. What exactly are the strings we’re talking about here?

The most basic definition might be something like this: a relationship in which both parties agree not to make things overly complicated.

In practice, individuals in this type of arrangement might agree to the following:

No emotional vulnerability.

Some people are drawn to sugar dating because they want someone they can talk to about stress at work or home. But in an NSA relationship, the focus is more likely going to be on the fun and excitement of the present moment. After all, it’s hard not to develop romantic feelings for someone who shares their emotions with you, and that’s not the goal of this kind of arrangement.

No commitments or future planning.

In some sugaring relationships, one of the perks might be looking forward to weekend getaways together or attending events as each other’s date. But for others, this kind of future planning is stressful and distracting. Instead, they want to keep things light and noncommittal so that they can focus on the here and now. In fact, some individuals who are interested in NSA are also interested only in short-term arrangements. So, you may not want to get your hopes up about an ongoing relationship.

No expectations of exclusivity.

Non-exclusivity is common in the world of sugaring, and no more so than with an NSA relationship. You may set up a boundary that you don’t talk about other partners, and you certainly wouldn’t expect your partner to be monogamous with you.

Little to no contact between meetings.

Some sugar couples maintain contact between dates because they enjoy chatting and are looking to deepen their relationship. But with NSA, too much communication can get messy. You may send a few messages here and there to set up your next meeting, but don’t expect any life updates or good morning texts.

Obviously as with everything in “the bowl,” partners can discuss the terms of their own NSA relationship. Not everyone will be so strict about what they consider to be strings, while others will want to maintain strong boundaries. The important thing is that you set those rules at the beginning and stick to them or renegotiate as you go.

What kinds of personality traits are best suited to a no-strings-attached relationship?

One of the misconceptions about NSA relationships is that those who are interested in them are unfeeling or cold. In reality, people who do best with a no-strings-attached arrangement are fun, friendly, and simply looking for something uncomplicated. They may also be:

Self-assured.

Sugar babies and sugar daddies who benefit most from NSA relationships are confident in themselves and not hung up on comparison games and validation-seeking. They know what they want and what they deserve, and a no-strings-attached relationship is exactly what they’re after.

Able to compartmentalize.

Not everyone has the ability to put their work and personal life on hold in order to be present with their partner. But if you can focus on the present moment in an NSA arrangement, you’ll have a wonderful experience. Some people are naturally able to compartmentalize, while others can learn the skill over time.

Extroverted.

Because these types of arrangements tend to be non-committal and open, they attract sugar daddies and sugar babies who enjoy meeting new people. Contrary to the image of a closed-off or unemotional partner, these individuals tend to be outgoing and engaging. They just don’t want to get too personal.

Ambitious.

More and more, people are realizing that traditional romantic relationships take up too much time for anyone who is looking to further their career, travel the world, or work on their own personal growth. That’s why you’ll find that many of the people interested in NSA aren’t closed off emotionally, but rather committed to other values in their life than romance.

Of course, these are just some of the personality traits that you’ll typically find in people interested in this style of sugar dating. There are many different kinds of people who can benefit from this style of dating, and they generally all defy the stereotypes you might associate with a no-strings-attached engagement.

Is NSA the same as FWB?

Now, you’ve probably seen some profiles with the term FWB instead of NSA. What does that mean? Well, FWB is short for “friends with benefits,” and at first glance, you might wonder what the difference is.

The two terms are similar, but FWB leaves room for—you guessed it—friendship. An FWB arrangement might allow for more chatting between meetings, sharing of personal information, and light emotional connection. To be sure, there’s still a casual element, but it’s not a full-blown romantic relationship.

As you can see, FWB is not drastically different from NSA, but if you’re looking for something that is truly emotionally detached, NSA is your best option.

How can you be a good NSA partner?

Maybe you think you’re ready to try a no strings attached arrangement but want to make sure you’re doing it the right way. Here are a few tips to help you be a great NSA partner :

Lay down the ground rules, early.

As we’ve covered so far, there are a few different ways that an NSA arrangement can work. Some people will want no contact between meetings while others may be looking for something short-term. Be specific about what you’re looking for and ask your partner, “What does NSA mean to you?”

Think of things to talk about that aren’t too personal.

Okay, so emotional connection is off the table. What, then, are you supposed to talk about when you meet a sugar partner for the first time? Well, consider ways that you can keep it light. Talking about things like the last movie they saw or what kind of music they like can be good icebreakers that don’t get too personal.

Learn to live in the moment.

It can be hard to enjoy your NSA arrangement when all of the other strings in your life are pulling your attention away. So, when you’re with your partner, learn to take your eyes off your phone, stop thinking about work, and stay focused on them.

Be flexible.

The more casual the sugar daddy relationship, the more flexible you may have to be to make it work. In this kind of arrangement, it’s not likely for your partner to rearrange their whole schedule just because you decided you wanted a last-minute date. And, you may also have to be understanding if your partner needs to reschedule every now and again. Stay flexible and communicate your needs so that you can find an arrangement that works for both of you.

If things change, talk about it.

If you start to develop feelings for a partner in an NSA relationship, don’t be too hard on yourself. We’re all human and sometimes we catch feelings, despite our best intentions. If this does happen, it’s crucial that you be open and honest with your partner. They may decide that they want to pursue a different kind of sugar relationship with you. Or, they may decide that they’d rather end the arrangement altogether. Either way, you need to let them make the best choice for themself.

Are you ready for an NSA relationship?

Maybe you’ve read up on what a no strings attached arrangement is and decided that you actually would rather have an emotional connection with your sugar partner. That’s perfectly okay—there’s room for everyone in the world of sugar dating!

Or, maybe the freedom and excitement of this kind of arrangement are even more appealing now that you’ve learned what kinds of people you’re likely to meet. If that’s the case, why not try this style of dating and find out what NSA means for you? All you have to do to get started is create your profile and make it clear that you’re looking for something with no strings attached. It’s as simple as that!