Friends with benefits (FWB) stands for 'friends with benefits'. A friendship that goes beyond a normal friendship. In the age of online dating, this term is more relevant than ever before. We give 10 tips to make your friends with benefits relationship run as smoothly as possible.

Is Friends with Benefits the same as a fling?

No, friends with benefits (FWB) is absolutely not the same as a fling. A FWB relationship is an explicit agreement between two people that revolves around sex. In this agreement, it is also agreed that no feelings for each other will develop.

A fling is someone you have met (online) and with whom you are occasionally intimate. With a fling, there is a possibility that your relationship will develop into dating with the intention of a serious relationship.

1. Make clear agreements

Friends with benefits may seem appealing, but it often leads to the loss of friendships. It is essential to make clear agreements to make a FWB relationship work. This ensures that both parties have the same expectations. If you notice that your feelings for the other person are becoming more intense than just sexual, it is important to discuss this and find a solution together.

During your friends with benefits period, it is also important to make clear agreements about whether you will also be intimate with other people.

2. Be honest

Although you are intimate at times, you will also remain friends. Be open and honest about what you want and especially what you don't want. That way, you can maintain the friendship even after you decide to no longer be intimate.

3. Experiment

This is a great opportunity to try new things in the bedroom. Think of it as a boot camp where you can experiment before you get into a serious relationship with someone else.

Have you never used a natural erection pill for example? Then this is the perfect opportunity to experiment with it.

4. Give each other space

You have decided to be friends with benefits, nothing more, nothing less. It is important to give each other space.

5. Be careful who you choose

Not everyone is a good fit for a FWB partner. Find someone who is the same as you and is just looking for fun.

6. Don't sleep over

Avoid sleeping over, exchanging hugs after sex, and especially professing love. Once this happens, your friends with benefits situation is evolving into a romantic relationship.

7. Be flexible

If you or your partner are no longer comfortable with the situation, be honest and willing to stop. It could also be that your partner has met someone else they want to be serious with. Don't be frustrated or self-centered.

8. Safety

Make sure your lovemaking doesn’t lead to unwanted visits to the doctor or the STD clinic. As friends with benefits, you’re probably both single. It’s possible that one of you has had unprotected sex with someone else. Always use condoms.

9. Avoid FWB with someone you have feelings for

As mentioned before, the line between friends with benefits (FWB) and something more is very fine. If you already have feelings for someone, it can be tempting to make a FWB arrangement. However, this is not a good idea. As you spend more time together, chances are you will want more than just being FWB. This can lead to unequal expectations, frustration, jealousy, and eventually even the end of the friendship.

10. Jealousy

As hard as it may be, try to avoid jealousy towards the person you have a FWB agreement with. It may happen that your partner meets someone else with whom they would like to be exclusive. Ending the FWB agreement then becomes inevitable. Try to understand this and do not react jealously, as hard as it may be.

If you find that you're both jealous of each other, it might be worth considering whether you could be more to each other than just friends with benefits.