FWB, is it worth it?
FWB is something we have all considered at least once when we go through a slump and have a crush on a friend. Many of us have crossed the line, but not everyone makes it out the same afterward.
What is FWB?
FWB is short for friends with benefits. It is when two friends decide to have casual sex with each other. It is only sex; there are no commitments. You enjoy all the benefits of a sexual relationship without any relationship complications.
So you are on a dry spell, and you have joked with a friend that you just want to get that “ itch scratched.” If this is something you are both up to and there is an attraction to each other, it might be worth trying out. You will, however, first need to discuss it and set ground rules.
It is important to remember that you are friends first and possibly want to stay friends afterward, so you want to discuss what is off-limits and acceptable.
Is sexting and NSFW pictures or videos part of the arrangement? Don’t just surprise them with imagery without their consent, as this might end the arrangement before it starts and possibly comes across as a little creepy.
It would be best to discuss your expectations before jumping into anything; you need to make it clear to each other that it is just sex and if anyone at any point catches the feels. You need to stop and end it; because it will ruin the friendship and end in heartache.
Consent is still crucial even in an FWB situation, so discuss your sexual limits and boundaries. You will also need to be sure both of you don’t have any STDs. Protection in a situation like this is of the utmost importance so make sure to use a condom or some form of birth control as pregnancy is the last thing you need.
Once you have had sex and you feel it wasn’t as great as you expected or freaked you out, you can stop the FWB arrangement at any time. Just let your friend know it’s not for you, don’t go into too much detail as to why.
A Friends with benefits arrangement often helps you get out of a funk without getting too complicated. It is just sex at the end of the day.
FWB is something we have all considered at least once when we go through a slump and have a crush on a friend. Many of us have crossed the line, but not everyone makes it out the same afterward.