The positives and drawbacks of a friendship with benefits relationship are discussed by psychologists and therapists, along with some considerations.

FWB relationships are typically non-committal and non monogamous. The majority of the time, FWB partners can be seen to enjoy each other's company, but there are no romantic overtures or obligations in place. It is crucial to comprehend what this kind of casual connection actually means and entails before considering or entering into one.

There are many reasons why FWB may be successful for certain people. To some people, it can seem safe and enjoyable to explore their sexuality with a trustworthy friend; to others, who don't want a committed love relationship, it might be an alternative; and to still others, who may have strong romantic feelings for a friend, it may be the beginning of something more. Expectations in certain FWB situations may evolve over time. For instance, one individual might prefer to remain in an FWB, whilst another person might prefer a more committed long-term relationship.

Anshuma Kshetrapal, a psychotherapist and drama and movement therapist, and Dr. Roma Kumar, co-founder and chief psychologist of Emotionally, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of FWB relationships in Lounge.

To begin with, before entering into an FWB relationship, one must take into account a few factors and ask oneself some questions:

What do I want, need, and expect from an FWB relationship?

Will it be a test for upcoming obligations?

Am I trying to leave an exclusive relationship by having an FWB?

If we develop an FWB relationship, how will that affect our friendship or relationship?

How will I take care of myself in an FWB relationship, for example, how would I guard myself against STIs and, if necessary, an unintended pregnancy?

Here are the benefits of an FWB relationship.

It's a great way to guarantee you have company, but on your terms. No pressure.

Non-committal arrangement: Clearly establishes limits, particularly if you're concentrating on another area of your life, like your professional development. Consequently, you no longer feel obligated to commit time to this arrangement.

These drawbacks should be considered even when these benefits seem great:

You cannot anticipate the same level of emotional support as in a committed, monogamous relationship. Because of the reliance on the

Unreliable: Since neither party has any expectations for the relationship in the future, these relationships may fall under the category of unreliability unless they are clearly stated.

Confusion: The fundamental cause of such an arrangement may be a lack of clarity and uncertainty. Feelings, if not expressed openly, can be very damaging to the friendship

Here is a look at what constitutes a healthy FWB relationship now that the advantages and disadvantages have been discussed.

Fully comprehend and accept the dynamic: It's critical that you enter into this type of relationship fully comprehending and accepting what it entails for both of you if you want to be FWB with someone. It's critical to understand that a partner's behaviours and expectations from a committed relationship—such as attending family gatherings or formal dating—will not apply. Try to establish expectations early on and have an open line of communication to make sure you and your partner are on the same page if you want to feel comfortable and secure.

Thank you for reading 🙂