{"id":23029,"date":"2019-03-13T08:48:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T08:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=23029"},"modified":"2024-07-26T01:20:51","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T23:20:51","slug":"friends-with-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/friends-with-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Be in a FWB (Friends with Benefits) Relationship?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all love having great friends. They\u2019re a source of happiness and inspiration to us when we need it most, and they have the ability to turn a somewhat average day into an awesome one with just their mere presence. <\/span><\/p>\n

But the term \u201cfriends with benefits<\/strong>\u201d is a whole different dynamic that comes with a slew of very different unspoken rules, needs and wants.<\/span><\/p>\n

FWB Meaning: What Are ‘Friends with Benefits’?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Friends with benefits, or FWB for short, is the notion that two friends can be physically intimate with one another without the complexities of being in a committed and emotional relationship<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

For many, this kind of relationship seems ideal. Both parties are physically satisfied sans any drama while enjoying the single life. It\u2019s fair to say that the FWB agreement has brought immense joy to individuals worldwide. <\/span><\/p>\n

But coming back down to earth, a large percentage of those who engage in this practice, have ended up with some unfavorable complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

So whether you\u2019re already in a FWB relationship or you\u2019re planning to start one, here are a few things you should know.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Friends with Benefits’ vs. ‘No Strings Attached’<\/span><\/h3>\n

A FWB, as stated above, is simply two friends who have decided to add the element of sex into their friendship. <\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019ve known each other for a period of time, and usually care about the wellbeing of their FWB. <\/span><\/p>\n

No strings attached however, is two people having sex with zero expectations whatsoever. There are no obligations or commitments, and the arrangement is purely physical.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Complication of ‘Friends with Benefits’<\/span><\/h3>\n

The name itself implies that those who are in this kind of arrangement, are friends to begin with. And friends know each other. <\/span><\/p>\n

They know what the other is interested in, their likes and dislikes, and quite possibly their hopes and dreams. They also feel safe in each other\u2019s company and care about one another\u2019s wellbeing. And when these things are a factor, there\u2019s also a big chance that one or both partners may start to feel romantic feelings. <\/span><\/p>\n

How could this possibly complicate things? Well, say you\u2019re the one who\u2019s developed feelings for your FWB, but those feelings are not reciprocated. This not only leads to feelings of rejection but also compromises the \u201cfriendship\u201d portion of your arrangement. <\/span><\/p>\n

It also gets messy when one person starts sleeping with another. One may think that they\u2019re not emotionally attached, but when put in such a situation, it\u2019s common for them to feel jealous and upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check this out:<\/strong> The Friend Zone: Another Example of Toxic Sexism<\/a><\/p>\n

‘Friends with Benefits’ is a Misleading Label<\/span><\/h3>\n

The term \u201cfriends with benefits<\/a>\u201d is actually quite an inaccurate label because there\u2019s a tendency to believe that a FWB relationship means cutting oneself off emotionally. This then devalues the meaning of true friendship and goes against everything having a friend is about. <\/span><\/p>\n

Having said that, there are still many FWB that have successful sexual trysts while keeping a happy and satisfying friendship. The dynamic of FWB could work perfectly for some, and not-so-perfectly for others. <\/span><\/p>\n

Can You Be in a Successful Friends with Benefits Relationship?<\/span><\/h3>\n

For those who seek the key to a successful friends with benefits relationship, unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all. <\/span><\/p>\n

But, here are a few things you could take into account:<\/span><\/p>\n