Sugar dating is a relationship between an older person and a younger partner, where the younger is rewarded with financial or material support. The most common sugar relationships are between a sugar daddy and a sugar baby, but sugar mommies have been known to be successful as well. Sugar dating is a lucrative and rewarding way for a young woman to offer companionship and intimacy to older men, but there are also some key rules that anyone should keep in mind when thinking of becoming a sugar baby.

Stay realistic

The first of the sugar baby rules is to stay realistic. Successful men seek out sugar babies for a reason and you need to stay in tune with that. Have the terms and details of your relationship clearly laid out, so you know from the very first date how it's going to go. It's natural to develop romantic and affectionate feelings for your sugar daddy, but you also need to keep this under control. Companionship for a sugar daddy is different from regular dating: that's why he's doing it. Remember to check in on your emotions and make sure they don't turn into something that neither you or your sugar daddy wanted to start with.

Back yourself

The best way to be a successful sugar baby is to back yourself unquestionably. If you know that you're hot, intriguing, and an overall fantastic companion, then he will believe it, too. Stand up for yourself and don't agree to companionship if it's not something you also want. Any potential sugar daddy should intrigue and interest you too, or the spark will never come. Know what you deserve and make sure you get it.

Be gracious

Sugar daddies will love to shower you in gifts, likely from the very first date, so be sure to be gracious about it. From new outfits to money for a new hair cut before a nice dinner, this is all part of the arrangement. Thank them, but don't be overly grateful. Once again, it's all about knowing your worth and what you are owed. At the end of the day, this is all about transactions.

Honesty is the best policy

Just like in regular dating, honesty is always important. Your sugar daddy will want to be able to trust you, so do your absolute best to show up on time, stick to plans, and communicate with him. This is a partnership between the two of you, and just as you will expect him to uphold his side, so should you hold yourself to account and hold up yours.

Keep your eyes open

Nine times out of ten, all will go well, but be sure to go into these things with your eyes open. As with any dating pool, there are always some bad apples out there. Learn how to properly vet an online profile before meeting and engage with communities of other sugar babies to seek advice, especially when you're new. Make sure someone you know in real life knows where you are, even if they don't know everything. Sometimes it seems simpler to keep these things a complete secret from your friends and family, but doing so also leaves you vulnerable on the off chance that something goes wrong.

Above all, make sure you use your common sense and trust your gut. If something feels off, there's no shame in pulling back slightly. The most important thing is to continue having fun and staying safe. Don't risk anything that you're not comfortable with and rely on these handy tips to make sure your foray into sugar dating goes well.