Engaging in intimacy with someone who doesn’t value or respect you can leave emotional scars that last well beyond the physical moment. In psychology research on casual sexual relationships and experiences (CSREs), people often report positive feelings like excitement or novelty, but many also experience regret, guilt, or a temporary decline in emotional well‑being. Because such encounters often lack emotional commitment, it can be difficult to reconcile expectations and feelings—especially when one person hopes for more.

These mismatches can lead to conflict, hurt, and social fallout. If the intimate encounter involves someone already in a relationship, trust may be broken and friendships strained or lost. Moreover, even in “casual” settings, mismatched expectations—one seeking connection while the other views it as fleeting—can breed confusion and resentment. Emotional entanglement is hard to avoid when sex and feelings become intertwined.

There are also psychological consequences to navigating intimacy without respect or emotional safety. Feelings of shame, low self‑esteem, or emotional disconnection may arise. One study linking sexual shame to fear of intimacy found that people who feel shame about sexual experiences are more likely to emotionally withdraw or struggle with close relationships.Over time, repeated experiences where one’s emotional needs are dismissed can reinforce patterns of seeking validation via sex rather than via mutual respect and care.

To heal and move forward, it’s important to reclaim self-worth, establish clear boundaries, and choose partners whose values align with yours. Recognizing that your feelings matter—and learning not to settle for less than emotional safety—can help transform pain into growth.