Sleeping with the wrong person can lead to lasting emotional turmoil. When “intimacy is shared with someone who doesn’t value or respect you,” it can leave you feeling used, regretful, and full of self-doubt. What starts as a moment of pleasure may spiral into weeks or months of confusion and heartache.

Many people struggle to separate sex from emotions, which makes moving on difficult. If one person sees it as casual while the other seeks commitment, mismatched expectations can cause pain and conflict.

Beyond emotions, there are social risks—especially if the person is already in a relationship. This can lead to broken trust, damaged friendships, and even public drama. As the article warns, “Rumors and judgments from others may follow,” affecting both reputation and mental health.

There are also serious physical consequences. Even with protection, there’s still a risk of sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies. These outcomes can bring stress, responsibility, and long-term impact.

Lastly, such experiences can damage your self-worth and future relationships. Some may start chasing validation through physical encounters, only to feel more empty. The key, the article concludes, is learning to “recognize your worth, set boundaries, and choose partners who align with your values.”