12 ways to keep your friends-with-benefits relationship from falling apart

These tips can help you keep your FWB relationship healthy and mutually beneficial

I am going to attempt to tackle the impossible, elusive question that so many of us have: Is it possible to sustain a real friends-with-benefits relationship? And is it possible to have a FWB situation longterm?

I think it is for some of us. If you’re jealous, insecure, and don’t communicate, then no, I don’t think it is possible for you. But yes, I do think you can be in a perfectly happy and fulfilling friends-with-benefits relationship. So here are 12 tips that will help you keep your FWB relationship from falling apart.

1. It’s called "friends with benefits" for a reason

You are first and foremost friends. Not need-fulfilling machines. Not sex robots without emotions. Both you and he deserve respect and honesty. My friends will tell me stories when their FWB will do something awful to them. They’ll then justify their FWB’s actions, saying, “Well we’re not dating, so like, I guess it’s fine.” No, it’s not fine. Would it be OK if a friend did this to you? No. Then it’s definitely not OK if a friend who’s sticking his penis up your butt does this to you.

2. Be real with yourself about what you really want

So many of us have entered into FWB’s because there’s a part of us that hopes it will turn into something more, even if we don’t want to admit it off the bat. Admitting it means there’s the chance he won’t feel the same, and it will ruin the whole dynamic. Don’t do that to yourself. Be real to yourself, first and foremost, to hopefully avoid any of the heartache that may develop in its stead.

3. Keep your own options open

He’s out there having a good time, you should be, too. Sometimes, we may feel a little guilt or like we’re sneaking around or cheating when there’s someone we’re sleeping with consistently. If no title has been set and he’s also getting his on the side, don’t let anything stop you from doing the same.

4. FWB is different from "no strings attached"

This point really needs to be hammered home, because I can’t tell you the number of times my friends have conflated the two. No strings attached (NSA) is pure, unadulterated sex. In and out of your apartment within 20 minutes. In that time period you’ve said no more than 100 words, and you’ve both orgasmed. FWB is a relationship. One that requires significantly more work and communication.

5. Be upfront with your expectations from him

So with the NSA and FWB distinction made, you need be upfront about your expectations with him. Do you expect texts periodically? Do you want to have a “date” when you see him, or just get straight down to business? Do you talk about other people you’re dating? Do you expect to see him on a monthly basis or just when you’re both free?

You don’t need to sit him down and ask all these questions at once (that’ll definitely scare him off), but after a couple hookups, I think it’s fair to ask, “Hey, what are you looking for out of this? I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page, but I just want to make sure.”

6. Be upfront about what you can give with him

Two sides of the same coin. Be upfront about what you want, and what you are willing to give him. It’s not only important that your needs are met, but that his are, too.

7. Pick the right friends

Not everyone can handle a friends-with-benefits situation. In fact, I’d argue that most guys probably can’t. Pick the right friend to explore a FWB relationship with, knowing that it has the potential to blow up.

Don’t pick your best friend, because you might end up losing him if things go awry. Similarly, don’t pick the guy who works in the cubicle next to you, because you’re going to have see him every single day. That hot friend who’s in an adjacent social circle that you always enjoy spending time with but have no desire to date? Now that sounds like an ideal pick, right there!

8. Have clear expectations regarding condoms

There are some people I wear condoms with. There are some people I don’t. Regardless, everyone I’m sleeping with knows about my sexual activity. The ones I don’t wear condoms with are aware of the risk of acquiring STIs. We’re not so much worried about HIV, because both me and male partners are on PrEP, but yes, there absolutely is a risk for other STIs when I don’t wear a condom. All parties involved must know the risk.

9. If you catch feelings, for the love of God, TELL HIM

I know it’s tough. I know you’re putting yourself out there and he very well may say, “I don’t see you in that way. I’m sorry,” but it’s something you have to do. Things will get messy if you don't. You or he will get hurt. And the FWB relationship will inevitably crash and burn.

10. Don’t expect it to last forever

Some last for as little as few weeks, other FWB relationships last a year. Seldom do they last forever. Either one person gets more serious with someone else. or you get bored of each other. Or one of you wants something more. When the FWB relationship has run its course, let it. Don’t try to make it go on any longer than it should.

11. Talk about how you’re going to talk about the FWB dynamic

In addition to talking about it, it’s also necessary to talk about how/when you’re going to talk about it. I know this isn’t necessarily the most fun, but FWB still takes some work. Not as much as a full-fledged monogamous relationship, but still some. It’s necessary to know how/when you guys are going to talk about your relationship. In a similar vein, it’s also necessary to check-in periodically, to see if both yours and his feelings about the relationship have changed.

12. Words may speak louder than actions (in this situation)

So we always say actions speak louder than words. 99% of the time I would say this is true, but sometimes, especially with FWB, it’s actually not the case.

When you’re with him, it may feel like you’re boyfriends and everything is lovey-dovey. Then he tells you that he doesn’t want anything serious. You’re like, “But wait, you just acted like we were in love.” Take his word that he doesn’t want anything serious. Not his actions. Sometimes with FWB, we get caught in the moment and get excited, but then afterwards, realize that we don’t want something more serious. If he says that, believe him—even if his actions tell you otherwise.