What Does FWB Mean? A Complete Guide to FWB
What does FWB stand for?
FWB is internet slang that is an acronym for friends with benefits. It’s two best friends (or just really good friends) who get together regularly for a hook up.
An FWB relationship is the simplest way for two best friends to engage in casual sex with no strings attached. A committed relationship is sometimes just not possible due to a hectic lifestyle, so a hook up with a good friend or co worker is just the thing you need to let off some steam
While a romantic relationship includes feelings and conversations about where it is going, the very definition of FWB is a fully casual relationship. One of the popular slang terms for an FWB relationship is also NSA (no-strings-attached).
If two best friends have an FWB thing going, it means they’ve decided to casually see each other on a sexual basis, rid of all emotions.
Yes, FWB Relationship can Work
A friends-with-benefits relationship only works if the friendship is strong enough that you can make a clear distinction where the friendship and sex merge and not let it get blurred.
And how do you manage that? Simple; by making it all about sex. When you get together for a hook up, there is no cuddling and kissing. It’s all about alleviating the stress of the day by engaging in a fun, comfortable sexual relationship.
After the sex part is done, you’re back to being best friends and proceed as you normally would. Cuddling enhances the bond between people, which is why it’s of the essence to avoid it. Being emotionally neutral is your best bet, along with a clear set of rules you both need to follow blindly.
6 Rules to make FWB work
Being FWB carries a lot of weight you’re not aware of. After all, you’re both only human. How can you guarantee that one of you won’t develop feelings for the other? You can’t.
And therein lies the risk of being FWB.
It can be done but you have to be able to communicate with each other. No sulking, no passive-aggressiveness and no childish tantrums.
You both need to know exactly what you’re getting yourselves into and act accordingly, otherwise, it’s doomed from the start.
Both of you must be on the same page to maximize the pleasure and minimize miscommunication.
To help you set some clear guidelines on being friends with benefits, we have compiled from experts on FWB matters and collected the best bits to help you experience a great FWB relationship.
Here’s your best chance of making it work and maintaining your friendship amid your FWB adventure.
Be aware that this isn’t a committed relationship
Never go into an FWB situation with an ulterior motive. Don’t be that person.
If you’re adamant to make the most of your NSA deal without getting emotionally involved, remove any thoughts of romantic relationships and monogamous relationships from your mind right now.
It’s not fair to either one of you. If you made a deal to never be texted about your emotions or the status of your relationship, respect that.
Remain friends and reap the benefits! If you can’t, perhaps you’re not emotionally or mentally ready for this yet. You know the meaning of FWB but can you live according to its rules?
Advocate for your needs
This isn’t about being cool and just going along with whatever your best friend suggests. No. Be clear about what you want.
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. If you don’t, you won’t enjoy it as much as you should. After all, being FWB is all about having FUN. Don’t ruin it from the get-go by not being clear about your needs.
Friends with benefits need to respect each other’s wishes and find a middle ground.
Just because this is about casual sex, it doesn’t mean you need to be casual about setting the rules.
Have a clear conversation with your friend and find a solution that will make both of you happy. At the end of the day, if you’re not enjoying yourselves, what’s the point?
Take your friend’s feelings into account
This is your friend we’re talking about, so you can get a pretty good read on them, right? Don’t ignore the vibe they’re giving out.
If you notice any sudden changes in their behaviour, acknowledge it.
It isn’t ideal but if your best friend has started to expect more from your FWB arrangement, you need to talk to them about it.
FWB relationships can change in the blink of an eye. Be mindful of that and reevaluate your status intermittently.
This is still an important person in your life and you want to avoid hurting their feelings by not acknowledging them.
Discuss the ins and outs of your FWB system
Are you going to be sleeping over? Is it okay to grab breakfast together in the morning?
Does talking after sex until the wee hours of the morning count as being friends or are you still on the benefits part?
Discuss all of this and more, to avoid as many possible minor mishaps as you can.
Figuring it out ahead of time will save you a lot of awkward conversations later on.
Don’t cross the line
Sometimes, you need to remind yourself that this isn’t a romantic relationship.
You are friends with benefits, so laying all of your emotional load on your friend is off the table.
When you’re having sex, that’s all there is. But when you’re one-on-one as nothing but friends, you can discuss whatever comes to mind.
Just be sure not to cross a line during one of your hook-ups.
This is why rules are crucial. If you decide that there’s no pillow talk and no sharing of an emotional nature during your get-togethers, you ensure to avoid crossing a line and going into uncharted territory.
Discuss your FWB arrangement occasionally
Before entering the FWB waters, agree to have an occasional conversation about how both of you are feeling.
Check-in with your best friend and vice versa. See how they are and if there’s anything on their mind.
You both know what FWB means but that doesn’t exclude the possibility of emotions creeping up on one of you.
To make sure you’re both still on the same page and committed to making your FWB relationship work, have a heart-to-heart now and again.
If one of you is starting to get attached or if there’s a need to spend even more time together, get together and discuss how to proceed.
Honest communication is always your best chance of success, whichever route you end up going.
Author’s Note
Being friends with benefits is the right choice if you’re willing to put in the work. Is your relationship with your best friend strong enough to survive this arrangement?
Is casual sex something you truly want right now? If the answer is yes, then go and give this a shot. After all, you’ll never know until you try. A committed relationship can be so much work and wanting to enjoy casual (and fantastic) sex with no strings attached is sometimes the way to go.
Before you do this, carefully read the rules. If you want to give this a real shot, you need to be mindful of your friend and their feelings as well. Just because it’s of a casual nature, it doesn’t mean their feelings aren’t valid.
Discuss the ins and outs, have your fun and remain close friends no matter how this ends. As important as sex is, your friendship is sacred as well. Find common ground and be respectful of each other’s wishes. Being FWB can be so much fun! Are you ready to take your friendship to the next level?