Learning these rules for being friends with benefits will help you set healthy boundaries and enjoy the connection more.
Clearly, theres a need for better clarity about the rules for being friends with benefits.
And according to many experts, it can be a perfectly healthy partnershipdespite what movies may have you believe.
4 rules for being friends with benefits in a healthy way
1.
Select your FWB partner carefully.
Not everyone is cut out for a FWB relationship, says Dr. Lawless.
psychotherapist, sex educator, and founder and CEO of sex retailerHolistic Wisdom
Clear communication with your partner is crucial, says Dr. Moali.
Its also vital to come to an agreement on additional sexual partners.
If not, neither of you should expect exclusivity.
No matter what, practice safe sex.
Discuss STD testing and, if necessary, birth control.
She also warns that participants should be prepared for these relationships, however healthy, to eventually end.
Its best to accept that as a possibility up front.
Like all relationships, they evolve in ways the participants might not expector want.
Understanding the stories behind each emotion can help manage the situation more effectively, says Dr. Moali.
psychotherapist, sex educator, and founder and CEO of sex retailerHolistic Wisdom
For example, two people may see their friend with benefits with another partner and both feel uncomfortable.
One may feel disrespected while the other feels hurt.
Understanding the underlying reason for the jealousy will also help inform how you reset boundaries within your FWB relationship.
When you want to explore a new relationship
Having a FWB relationship can make dating other people challenging.
Again here, communication is key.
When romantic feelings develop
Even the most well-intentioned FWB partnerships can find themselves dealing with this scenario.
Sex with a friendwillchange your relationship and in some cases ruin it, she says.
Understand the risks you are taking, and do some of that work up front.
Consider ahead of time how you would like to manage such emotions if they arise.
Determine whether you would feel comfortable sharing your feelings with your partner or prefer to process them independently.
Open and honest communication with your FWB partner, and yourself, is the key to making it work.
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