Do you have a friend who is constantly giving you gifts and showering you with compliments? Do you think this person is too good to be true?
If you’ve ever been in a friends-with-benefits relationship, you know how empowering it can be. But it’s not all sunshine and roses: These relationships can be dangerous. They can lead to addiction, sexual harassment and exploitation.
How do you know if it’s right for you?
You need to talk with your friend and ask them about their expectations. This includes things like safe sex, whether or not you’ll sleep over and cuddle often and what your boundaries are.
Usually, FWB relationships are only short-lived. So, if you’re not feeling comfortable, it’s time to move on. But if you’re both happy with your arrangements, here are three tips to help you make the most of it:
1. Set clear rules for your friendship with benefits.
The definition of a friend-with-benefits relationship is different to everyone, so it’s important to sit down and define it together. It may involve a lot of negotiation, but it’s essential that you’re on the same page with the other person. You might even agree on some ground rules, such as no hooking up more than a certain number of nights in a row or no lingering at someone’s apartment late into the night.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you start to feel that your friend is using you, or you can’t see eye to eye on any of these issues, it’s time to stop.