Blurring lines: navigating the dynamics of friends with benefits relationships
Many people enter friends with benefits arrangements hoping they will evolve into something more. But that’s usually a big pile of bullshit.A FWB typically involves a platonic friendship that incorporates sexual activities or romantic moments without the commitment of dating. Here’s how to avoid blurring the lines:
1. Don’t get too attached
While a FWB arrangement can be liberating and exciting, it’s easy to get too caught up in it and lose sight of the casual nature of your connection. This can result in a blurring of lines and an inadvertent morphing into a committed relationship. In order to maintain the fun and excitement of your relationship, make sure to continue pursuing your own interests and spend time with other friends. This will ensure that you have a sense of individuality and independence, which will help prevent you from becoming too dependent on your FWB.2. Don’t get too touchy-feely
Because this arrangement is non-monogamous, it is natural for partners to have other relationships or hook up with different people at times. However, jealousy can quickly spoil a friendship with benefits. Getting jealous about your FWB sleeping with others will only take away from the fun of the no-strings-attached relationship and can lead to hurt feelings in the long run. The whole point of a FWB is to have casual sex and some socializing, so don’t try to turn it into a full-blown romantic relationship. No fancy dinners, flowers or gifts. Just some casual sex, cuddling and talking. In some cases, one partner may hope that the FWB will eventually evolve into something more romantic. This should be discussed openly so that both parties can make the best decision for themselves about the future of their relationship. This also includes discussing expectations around exclusivity and safe sex, so that there are no surprises down the road.
3. Don’t let your FWB sleep with other people
In a friends with benefits arrangement, it is important to keep your own and your FWB’s sexual health in mind. That means avoiding unprotected sex and always using protection.In addition, it is also a good idea to talk about safe sex during the initial stages of your relationship. This helps to set expectations and ensure you are both on the same page.It is also a good idea to check in with your FWB on a regular basis. This can help you determine whether the relationship is working out and if you would like to change anything. Although it may seem counterintuitive, even a casual sexy relationship requires kindness and respect. This is true of any sexual arrangement, but especially so in a friends with benefits relationship. If you enter this type of arrangement expecting it to lead to something more, then you could end up hurting your partner and ruining the friendship part of the equation.
4. Don’t let your FWB sleep with you
FWB relationships can be a great way to have casual sex without the commitment of a relationship. But it is important to remember that a FWB is not your lover, and they may also be seeing other people. This is fine, but it is important to be upfront about it and ensure that your needs are being met.It is a good idea to discuss this in the beginning, and then check-in about boundaries throughout the relationship. It is also a good idea to avoid any physical affection outside of sex, as this can lead to feelings that can complicate things.While many people hope that their FWB relationships will turn into something more, this is not always the case. It is important to keep this in mind and be prepared for it to end at any time. However, if you and your FWB have worked out the kinks, it can be a very enjoyable experience.