A Friends with Benefits (FWB) relationship is a non-committal and non-monogamous relationship where two people are physically intimate with each other without being romantically involved. Unlike more casual relationships such as one-night stands, FWBs continue to have a sexual relationship and romance. However, FWB relationships differ from casual sex relationships in that FWB relationships are a commitment to continuous casual sex. Here are some key features of FWB relationships:
- FWB relationships include friendship and sexual interactions without romance.
- FWB relationships are established to safely connect with a partner without the emotions, but often these relationships are not genuine.
- The success of this type of relationship is rooted in avoidance.
- There is not a high success rate of continued friendship at the end of a FWB relationship.
- FWB relationships allow people to explore their sexuality in a non-committal way, giving them the space to communicate their needs.
- FWB relationships can be more complicated than media portrayals give them credit for.
- FWB relationships give people sexual freedom, without the constraints of a monogamous romantic partnership.
Different types of FWB relationships exist, and they can serve different purposes. For example, some FWB relationships involve actual friends, while others involve people who are not friends but are physically intimate with each other. It is important to establish clear communication and boundaries from the start to ensure that both parties are on the same page. FWB relationships are not for everyone, and recognizing your relationship preference is key to understanding whether FWB can work for you or not.
