Mates

Mates is a word to describe cats involved in a romantic relationship, and even flings occasionally.

## Courting

Courting is like the warrior cat equivalent of dating, usually many cats court when they both have feelings for one another yet are unsure about the idea of becoming mates, even when courting, cats are able to change their mind and pick someone else to be their mate under any circumstance, courting is usually optional and even rarely enforced, it is more serious than a fling yet is less official than just becoming mates.

**Examples of courting which never ended in the couple becoming mates**

* Nostar and Rootnest
* Jaycall and Adderbush

## Taking Mates

Taking a mate is a result of either courting or an instant decision, it can be asked through a direct question or an open love confession, this means the two want to be in a committed relationship and maybe even wish to start a family. When taking a mate, unlike courting or flings, romantic relations between anyone outside of your mate are seen as disgraceful, unless it's an open relationship or a poly one which will be explained further down the line. Though having kits isn't mandatory in becoming mates, most of these relationships often end in a family. gender is not a concern in the idea of becoming mates, as same-gender couples and non-binary couples are common in these types of relationships as well and is not prohibited or seen as unnatural in the slightest.

**Examples of Mates**

* Archstone and Bloodpoppy
* Featherwing and Coal
* Lilacpool and Tornfeather
* Rootnest and Thistletail
* Tornfeather and Ashwing
* Thunderstorm and Bumblebee
* Ashlight and Bumbleheart
* Lilacdream and Nightdust

## Breaking up

Breaking up is usually uncommon yet still happens quite extensively as a result of disagreements, their love fading through time, one or both of the partner's deaths, or any other substantial event.

**Common reasons include.**

* Disagreements or different idea/opinions
* Death of one or both partners
* Disagreement or disappointment in one or both partners actions or ideas
* disappearance, exile or abandonment of one's alliance

## Flings

Flings occur quite often in the Blossomclan universe, it's a liable option for those who don't want the commitment of a relationship, flings with cats outside of Blossomclan being most the common out of everything, sometimes flings accidently result in kits, which does cause issues with the pre-mentioned relationship. this type of relationship isn't meant to be serious and is always rather short, rarely ever remaining long term.

**Examples of Flings**

* Driftwind and Frostshine
* Shadowbreeze and Fawnheart

## Afterlife Relationships

cats can and often times do take the same cat to be their mate after they are reunited in the afterlife, only in rare case or situations where they regret being mates with the one they had in life, they may refuse. unlike the original warriors universe, cats may choose a mate they never even met before in life, it is not a requirement to have been mates before in life to be mates in the afterlife.

## Other Details

### Abusive relationships

Abusive relationships unfortunately do happen in any relationship, especially in mates, Abusive can happen in both physical and mental capabilities, it is looked deeply down upon in the blossomclan universe and usually this results in breaking up, yet tragedies do happen because of these abusive situations.

**Examples of Abusive tendencies in relationships**

* One or both of the partners becoming worse cats in cause of starting said relationship.
* One or both of the partners putting down the other unfairly, either privately or publicly.
* enjoyment in embarrassing, hurting or controlling the other partner.
* showing a lack of care or overabundance of care in the other partner or what they do.
* Cheating on their partner without any previous agreement
* Showing disregard on how their partner feels about the relationship or their actions.

**Examples of Abusive relationships in the Blossomclan universe**

* Snakeroot and Nightdust
* Wrenwing, Blizzardclaw and Panthershade

### Polyamorous relationships

Polyamorous relationships are when more than one cats agree to be in a relationship with each other, unlike open relationships, Polyamory means having multiple romantic relationships at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. An open relationship is a relationship where the parties are free to take new partners consistently.

**Examples of polyamorous relationships**

* Nostar and Archstone's Parents
* Wrenwing, Blizzardclaw and Panthershade

### Open relationships

Open relationships are when mates agree that they may start romantic relationships outside of their own, with a few (if any) set rules to follow, these are opposite of the more common closed relationships mates often have, where they choose to be with one another exclusively.