It’s likely that you’ve watched at least one movie or tv program where two of the lead actors were dabbling with a friends-with-benefits connection.
Typically, such movies usually end with them falling for one another and strolling away into the sunset.
In reality, the movie scenario might turn out quite opposite, because this form of connection entails considerably more than “no strings attached” fun.
For this reason, you possibly may be wondering or asking “can you have more than one FWB?”
Sure, you can. Remember that the entire concept of friends with benefits is that there isn’t any attachment, which means you may have as many friends with benefits as you want.
Stick around and read on as we explore how different people cope with multiple FWB.
What Constitutes Friends With Benefits?
It might be difficult to pinpoint what constitutes a friend-with-benefits relationship. The connection straddles the line between friendship and dating.
A friends-with-benefits (FWB) connection occurs when two individuals are sexually involved with each other but are not emotionally committed to one another.
Friends-with-benefits couples definitely appreciate spending time with each other, although their relationship is not serious and does not have feelings attached.
What Distinguishes Friends With Benefits From Dating?
Generally, you feel a strong emotional connection to someone you are dating. But in a friend-with-benefits arrangement, you’re just pals who socialize out and occasionally engage in physical intimacy with one another.
Friends with benefits are allowed to date others unlike dating or courtship. Moreover, when they engage in sexual activity, there are no strings attached, meaning they are no emotional commitment to one another, just a casual fling.
Is It Slutty to Have Two FWB?
It is acceptable for a person to have many FWBs as they can handle. The goal of FWB is to engage in pleasant romantic activity.
For this reason, if you do experience fun/benefits from having intimacy with multiple partners, you may decide to continue.
In conjunction with safeguarding your physical health, it is critical that you manage your emotional health and psychological well-being by realizing that your FWB relationship can terminate at any moment and for whatever reason.
In other words, there should be evident benefits for oneself in having two FWBs, with no bad thoughts or repercussions.
What Motivates People Into Friends With Benefits?
According to shared experiences, indulging in a friend with benefit relationship is an arrangement that most individuals with unstable relationships would desire.
Even while this situation might not be suitable for everybody and can be a bad precedent for the jealous sorts.
But it is something to think about if you are dissatisfied with your present romantic and dating situations. Below are some of the motives behind FWB:
1. Convenience
For the majority of us, courting or being involved in relationships appears to be a demanding task because of how busy we are coupled with the consistent efforts it requires.
When you hook up with a buddy, there are no awkward situations or probing questions when you can’t make it or are unavailable.
Additionally, there are no obligations in the relationship, such as having active communication or needing to visit each other’s families.
There should be guidelines for being friends with benefits. Communication is essential in the initial stages to ensure that there are no persisting concerns, hidden agendas, or emotional problems.
2. Sharing similar interest or chemistry
Friends typically share some common bonds. Whatever the subject matter may be —music, odd hobbies, humour, or a TV program, there is usually some chemistry present.
This playful connection results in physical intimacy even if there isn’t supposed to be much occurring outside the bedroom in an FWB relationship.
Instead of attempting to establish chemistry with a stranger, it’s more pleasant to make love with someone you rather connect with.
3. Having romantic freedom
An FWB relationship provides you with the chance to mingle, date others, and see what’s going on in the dating world while having a hook-up in your back pocket.
The majority of friends with benefits prefer these arrangements because they are not prepared for a committed relationship, and the flexibility of being carefree and not restricting oneself to a partner seems quite perfect.
4. To enhance their physical health
Having erotic moments is beneficial to our health and well-being, according to several research. It relieves tension, serves as a substitute to working out, improves your attitude, and promotes your confidence.
5. No “trying to date” pressures
The prospect of making small conversations and answering introductory inquiries like Where are you from? How many siblings and cousins do you have? What is your occupation? in a first date is exhausting and monotonous.
It sounds strained and repetitive. Spending time with a pal you obviously know feels more comfortable than trying to hold back on a date or be in a relationship.
There are no mind gimmicks in a FWB situations – you’re just buddies who are intimate with each other.
6. Relaxed environment for self-exploration
Being in a friend-with-benefit entanglement allows you to fully explore and discover yourself in a comfortable manner.
It is possible to suffer sexual performance anxiety while propping up with an unfamiliar person.
This not only detracts from the routine, but also restricts your room for exploration, adventure, and satisfaction.
A constant FWB allows you to understand more about your body and preferences.
You may express to a buddy precisely what you enjoy and detest. In addition, you can experiment and explore newer fantasies without feeling self-conscious.
7. Chances of having a relationship
I know you’re thinking that this reason runs counter to everything we’ve spoken about so far.
It’s possible to discover that the other guys around aren’t just for you and that no one can quite compare to your faithful old FWB when you are intimate with him whilst dating other guys.
Overall, FWB may be a terrific source of momentary enjoyment for individuals who lead active, confident, and free-spirited lifestyles.
Just remember that if emotional and affectionate sentiments arise, you must convey your feelings to them and be willing to leave if the other person does not share your thoughts. However, if they really do, the payoff might be well worth the effort.
Important Questions to Answer Before Going into FWB
It’s meant to feel pleasant when you are intimate with someone. Additionally, it needs to be pleasurable for all participants.
People’s expectations may differ in certain friend-with-benefits scenarios. Alternatively, in some circumstances, their intentions may shift as time passes.
For instance, one individual may desire a more meaningful long-term relationship, whilst the other may prefer to remain friends with benefits.
When people have conflicting desires, they may become confused, dissatisfied, or furious. It’s also conceivable that the bond will evolve or perhaps terminate.
Below are a few self-evaluating questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a friends-with-benefits affiliation:
- What are my requirements, desires, and expectations in a friend-with-benefits relationship?
- Will being friends with benefits with someone change the nature of our current friendship?
- Will I feel distraught if my friend starts a relationship with someone else?
- How can I effectively protect myself from unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases when in a FWB?
- Can I comfortably discuss with my partner my sexual preference, consent, and health?
Note that it is entirely up to you whether or not to embark on a FWB adventure.
Conclusion
Everyone’s experience with a friend with benefits is unique, and what worked for one person may not be suitable for another. It is also not something you should just go into without thinking it through.
Do not go into a friend-with-benefits relationship with the hope that it would develop into something deeper. Unfortunately, holding these views might result in dissatisfaction and frustration when they fail to come true at the end of your friendship.
Therefore, only engage in intimate activities with each other if your feelings for one another are mutual.
Despite the complexity of a friends-with-benefits relationship, it need not be completely off-limits. Simply be conscious of your emotional boundaries, intentions against reality, and possible problems. Also, understand the significance of creating boundaries if you eventually opt for FWB.
