Have you ever experienced a person in your life that you felt a mutual physical attraction to but not enough to date? Maybe you the two of you have undergone instances where flirtation occurred but it was never acted upon. A “friends with benefits” relationship can be fun and even beneficial, if you will. But, one of the most important things to bear in mind before considering a relationship of this sort is that sex will undoubtedly alter the nature of your friendship. No matter how casual you say and think it will be, you must remember that things will change. Here is how it should work:
Getting everyone on the same page
Setting ground rules before initiating a friends-with-benefits relationship is vital. Both individuals need to be content and on the same page about the guidelines, just as both need to be given the opportunity to express their take on where the limits stand. There should not be any discomfort felt by either party and if there is, then this type of relationship is not fit for this particular duo. Take the time to sit down together and discuss details such as how much time will be spent together, how far the relationship can go, what the level of communication outside of the relations will be, etc.
Learning to explore other relationships
Don’t be afraid to approach other fish in the sea while you are having your fun. The whole point of this kind of relationship is that it is by no means exclusive. An exclusive relationship means that whoever you are with is your only person and that you are in a dedicated, romantic relationship with them and only them. The person you are hooking up just for the fun of it is there for one function only, and that is to satisfy your sexual needs. If you go out with other people and are open about that, then your hook-up buddy will catch on and not only be conscious of your actions but will know that you wouldn’t have a problem if they chose to do the same. Besides, the primary incentive of taking part in something like this is the fact that you are not tied down to one person and can still be satisfied. When you find someone that you can picture yourself being with, your “on-the-side” interaction needs to be over.
Staying safe during the “benefits”
Protecting yourself when you are engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not your one and only is absolutely imperative. Use condoms or some type of birth control if you expect your level of intimacy to get to its furthest level. As previously stated, a friends-with-benefits affiliation blatantly permits more than one partner. Consequently, practicing safe sex is important because this is not a serious relationship. Risking STD’s or getting pregnant with somebody that you are not devoted to is not worth the prospective end results.
Ending the relationship early
Discontinue the relationship before things get too heavy and someone gets hurt. Becoming attached is all too easy in this kind of situation and if things get too far, you have clearly neglected to follow the guidelines that you should have made when things began. The majority of the time this is a temporary deal. It should be a temporary deal. An emotional connection can certainly develop as things progress and the most difficult thing to avoid is one-way feelings. Being in a state where one person becomes emotionally involved while the other develops minimal – if any – sentimental feelings at all can be a disaster. The jealousy factor can take a serious toll as well. For example, if “no feelings” meets another person and likes the person enough to see him or her more, “emotionally involved” may become envious and resentful. End things as soon as possible if things get even remotely close to this point.
Keeping the friend without the benefit
If you choose to date and end up finding someone that you can see yourself being with, be respectful and don’t string your playmate along. Be honest and upfront about the circumstances because if anything, they will have to understand since that is the type of relationship this is supposed to be. Also, do not continue your friends-with-benefits relationship if you plan on dating someone seriously. Though that is seemingly a given, some people find it hard to let go of something if it was going well for them – they consider it “the back-up plan.” If you grow to have feelings for your partner, tell them. It isn’t unnatural for this to happen but it’s something that you need to be straightforward about so he or she can decide whether or not to continue hooking up with you. Before you decide to take part in a friends-with-benefits relationship, mull over these elements in order to determine whether or not it is for you. If it is, trust and believe that it can be a good time!
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