Why Friends With Benefits Is a Bad Idea

Introduction

Friends with benefits (FWB) is a term used to describe a relationship where two people engage in a sexual or romantic relationship without any commitment. It is often seen as a way to avoid the complications of a full-on relationship, but in reality, it can bring its own set of problems. In this article, we will discuss why a friends with benefits arrangement is usually a bad idea.

1. Central Idea is Unclear

The major issue with having a friends with benefits arrangement is that the central idea is often unclear. People often enter into these relationships with different expectations and desires. As a result, one person may want a relationship while the other may not, which can lead to a lot of confusion and disappointment.

2. Challenges Monogamy

Having a friends with benefits arrangement also challenges monogamy, as one or both parties may be engaging in sexual activity with other people. This can lead to feelings of jealousy and insecurity, as well as a lack of trust between the two people.

3. Increased Risk of STDs

Another issue with having a friends with benefits relationship is that it increases the risk of STDs. Because the two people are not involved in a committed relationship, they may not use protection when engaging in sexual activities, which can put them at risk for contracting an STD. Additionally, they may not be honest with each other about previous sexual partners, which further increases the risk.

4. Difficult to End the Relationship

It can also be difficult to end a friends with benefits arrangement. Because there is no formal commitment or agreement between the two people, there is no clear way to end the relationship. This can lead to a lot of awkwardness and hurt feelings, as one person may feel like they were used or taken advantage of.

5. Difficult to Move on

It can also be difficult to move on from a friends with benefits arrangement. Because of the emotional and physical connection that is often created, it can be hard to let go and start a new relationship. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness, which can be difficult to handle.

6. Complicates Future Relationships

Having a friends with benefits arrangement can also complicate future relationships. If one or both people enter into a new relationship, the feelings associated with the previous arrangement can resurface, leading to feelings of confusion and guilt.

7. Affects Friendship

Friends with benefits arrangements can also affect the friendship between the two people. If one person starts to develop feelings for the other, it can be difficult to return to being just friends. This can lead to a lot of awkwardness and hurt feelings, and can ultimately damage the friendship.

8. Difficult to Maintain Privacy

It can also be difficult to maintain privacy when engaging in a friends with benefits arrangement. If one or both people have other friends or partners, it can be difficult to keep the arrangement a secret. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as potential conflicts with other people.

9. Emotional Intimacy

Having a friends with benefits arrangement can also lead to emotional intimacy. Even though the two people may not be in an official relationship, they may still develop strong feelings for one another. This can lead to a lot of confusion and hurt feelings, as one person may want more than the other is willing to give.

10. Lack of Commitment

Finally, friends with benefits arrangements are often lacking in commitment. Without any formal agreement between the two people, there is no guarantee that either person will remain loyal or faithful to the other. This can lead to a lot of hurt feelings and insecurities, as one person may feel like they are not getting the commitment they need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, friends with benefits arrangements can often be more trouble than they are worth. While they may seem like a good way to avoid commitment and complications, they can often bring their own set of issues. It can be difficult to maintain privacy, and the lack of commitment can lead to hurt feelings and insecurity. Additionally, it can be difficult to move on from the relationship, and it can complicate any future relationships. For these reasons, it is usually best to avoid a friends with benefits arrangement. Having a friend with benefits (FWB) relationship can seem like a great idea in theory; two friends having physical intimacy without the extra baggage of romance and commitment. But in actuality, these types of relationships should be avoided, as they can lead to more damage than the benefits promised.

To begin with, these types of relationships set up unrealistic expectations of an individual, expecting them to be physically intimate without forming an emotional connection. This means that one or both of the parties involved feel emotionally unfulfilled, leading to a feeling of loneliness and resentment. As a result, the relationship leaves both of them worse off than when they entered into it, as they are now lacking both the physical and emotional closeness they had hoped to achieve.

Additionally, these types of relationships can be rife with resentment and jealousy. Even if two friends agree to maintain a physical relationship without getting emotionally involved, it is difficult for either person to avoid forming attachments. This leaves them prone to feeling betrayed or abandoned, as one partner may choose to pursue a romantic relationship with someone else, while the other person is left feeling used.

Moreover, FWB relationships can be a source of confusion amongst other friends who don’t understand the non-romantic nature of the relationship, making the situation even more complicated. The people involved may struggle to properly explain the terms of the agreement or have difficulty maintaining a boundary between the platonic and intimate aspects of their relationship.

Ultimately, jumping into a FWB relationship can be a recipe for disaster as it can lead to feelings of insecurity, betrayal, and confusion. If a person is looking for physical intimacy outside of a romantic relationship, it is better that they stay single, as having a FWB can only lead to more difficulties in the end.