Dating advice for friends with benefits relationships

We’ve recently covered the problems and the benefits of friends with benefits (FWB) relationships and we’ve given you all the most pertinent information to decide whether it’s right for you. However, we also thought that it would be a good idea to offer some advice on how to avoid some of the pitfalls of FWB dating and ensure that you both get the most out of the relationship. With that in mind we’ve put together a list of 5 top tips for starting and maintaining a healthy FWB relationship
1. Communication
Good communication is the key to a successful FWB relationship as you need to make sure you remain aware of your friend’s feelings and any changes in them. Whilst it may detract from the casual nature of the relationship talking about feelings, problems and desires/needs will stop you running into any unforeseen difficulties. Even though the relationship may just be about casual sex it will be more complex in reality.
2. Have agreed terms
Having agreed terms means that you have clear guidelines for your FWB relationship in all the important areas that may detrimentally affect your relationship. This should include (but is not limited to) sexual conduct, seeing other people, ending your FWB relationship, privacy and public conduct. Having these guidelines in place means that both of you will know where you stand when it comes to each other – so you make sure you discuss these areas.
3. Make sure there are no deeper feelings
FWB might seem to imply that there is no deeper feelings or desires for a long term relationship between the friends. The reality is that this is often not the case and either that deeper feelings already exist or that they might develop. If you already have deeper feelings with your friend then you may inadvertently be causing yourself additional emotional turmoil by starting a FWB relationship as your friend may move on or not be aware of your feelings. Likewise you need to make sure that your friend also doesn’t have deeper feelings for you as this can lead to problems and in the worst case scenarios the loss of a friend.
4. Don’t be or become jealous
Jealousy is a problem with FWB relationships even though technical it shouldn’t be. In a FWB relationship you need to remember that your friend (and yourself) will be trying to find other, more long term, partners. If you or your partner becomes jealous then it is a clear sign that the relationship has progressed beyond a simple FWB and you should deal with it directly. If, however, you can both accept this aspect to a FWB relationship you should however be able to have a healthy relationship.
5. Have fun
This might seem a little ridiculous as a piece of advice but it’s actually very important. It is very easy to let a fun and casual FWB relationship turn into a headache. If you keep things friendly, open and honest this shouldn’t be a problem but you need to remember that it’s all too easy to turn FWB into something much more akin to a bad relationship. With that in mind best of luck and have fun.