Let’s be honest: Having friends with benefits can be incredibly convenient. What’s not to like about the idea having no-strings 53x with a guy you like and respect, but don’t necessarily want a future with?
In the modern era of Tindr and career-minded young adults, the ‘friends with benefits’ situation is becoming more and more common. With that being said, this uncharted territory can hold some confusing circumstances. What are the rules for a FWB arrangement? Are there even a set of rules for Friends With Benefits? Yes- yes there are. And if you’re in a FWB ordeal, you should definitely follow them.
#1) DON’T SPEND THE NIGHT
Spending the night is intimate and it’s a thing couples do. You two aren’t a couple. Get up, take a shower, and go home to your own bed. You guys are in it for the fun and the casual 5xx. Don’t get in the habit of acting more like a couple than a couple of friends.
#2) BE CLEAR ON THE ‘LABEL’ RIGHT AWAY
Don’t hide behind excuses or avoid the topic. Have the “What are we?” conversation within the first time of sleeping with someone. Being clear up front ensures that everyone is on the same wave length and no one’s feelings get hurt in the long run.
#3) BE FRIENDS- DON’T USE EACH OTHER
Yes, do things outside of knacking each other. No one wants to be used, and when ALL you’re doing is hopping into bed with each other eventually each of you are going to feel more like f*** buddies than friends with benefits. So hang out, eat pizza, watch movies- whatever. But be friends, not just bed partners.
#4) BUT TOTALLY FEEL FREE TO HOOK-UP
Being friends doesn’t mean that a 11:00 PM booty call on a Friday night is out of line. You DO have benefits afterall. So use them. Have that good ole’ casual no-strings-attached 53x. That’s why you’re in this arrangement to begin with.
#5) AVOID ROMANTIC GESTURES
To avoid confusing one another, don’t be romantic. Don’t go on dates, cuddle, hold hands, or tell your friends how much you like each other. Avoid mixed feelings by not doing things that will arouse them. Keep things platonic… well, outside of the bedroom.
#6) BE HONEST
If you do start to have feelings for them, or think that they have feelings for you- be upfront about it. Hiding your emotions will only ensure that someone gets hurt in the end. You’ll either start dating or break it off, but either way you’ve spared you both the complication of ruining things with emotions later on.
#7) USE PROTECTION
Ya, this one’s pretty self-explanitory. You have other partners. They have other partners. Respect each other and use protection to avoid both pregnancy and STDs. We’re all adults here, so let’s not be stupid.
#8) BE OPEN TO SEEING OTHER PEOPLE
The glorious thing about a FWB arrangement is that you’re NOT in a relationship. So go out, meet some other people, flirt, go on dates- have some one night stands. Don’t miss out on your chance at meeting someone else, because you’ve binded yourself to a non-existant contract with your friends-with-benefits.
#9) DON’T BE JEALOUS
Number one way to ruin a FWB arrangement: be jealous. So suck it up and keep your platonic feelings in check. Don’t worry about who else they’re sleeping with, or dating, or talking to. You’re their FRIEND- not lover, remember? So enjoy the benefits, and leave the romantic jealousy elsewhere.
#10) BE READY TO ‘END THINGS’
All good things must come to an end, and eventually you’re little 53capades with your FWB will have to end too. Be prepared for the day when you’ll have to say farewell to your hook-ups, as they permanently hook-up with someone else. FWB is temporary, and you should go in with the mindset that it won’t be forever. So enjoy it while it’s here, and be ready to say goodbye when the time is right.
Source: Gistreel.com