What are the Benefits of Having Friends With Benefits?

Ahhh, so we’re talking about the benefits of having friends with benefits (FWB)! Let’s just ignore how redundant it sounds and focus instead on pointing out what’s already obvious. In an FWB situation, the number one perk you can get out of it is obviously, no strings attached sex.

You get to have a special friend whom you bang but are not really in a relationship with. The two of you practically do what couples do in the bedroom, but outside of it, you treat each other as if you’re just common friends. As if you’re not sharing spit and other body fluids that come out during sex.

It seems perplexing, but in theory, an FWB situation is pretty simple. You rub uglies with each other minus the emotional entanglements. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to deal with the drama that comes with being in a relationship. But just like what we’ve seen from the movies, an FWB situation can turn sour quickly if you don’t guard your heart. And that’s why you need to establish clear and concise rules when you’re in one.

But aside from the apparent casual sex, is there anything else to it? Not that sex is a good enough reason, but still, you know, there must be something else out there. It turns out there are actually a few more awesome benefits an FWB can offer you. And as always, we’ve listed them down for you.

Whether you’re in a friends with benefits situation right now, or at a point where you’re considering getting into one, we’re here to answer what exactly are the benefits of this arrangement. And most importantly, is it worth it?

A friend in and out of bed

Most people aren’t fond of the idea of an FWB because they think that they can lose a good friend if things end up badly. But as long as the two parties involved are mature enough, you really have nothing to worry about.

In fact, if you’re smart when choosing your FWB, you can gain a friendship that’s unlike any other. I mean, this is someone you’re sleeping in bed with, so you’re close to him in a way that no other friend of yours can ever be. Sure, there’s no emotional commitment in what you have. You don’t text each other at night exchanging “I love you” messages nor do you cuddle and have pillow talks after sex, but you trust this person, feel a physical attraction for each other, and you enjoy each other’s company—albeit in bed only.

There’s no need for you to flex.

When you’re in a normal relationship, you feel pressure to impress your partner. You want to show off all your good qualities, whether it be your new car, your promotion, your charitable side, or your brand new house. You always want to look good, so your partner sees you as someone desirable for a long term relationship.

It’s entirely unlike your friends with benefits relationship where there’s little to no pressure at all. The only thing you need to work hard on in an FWB situation is to make sure that you have awesome and mind-blowing sex. And if you find the sex lacking, you don’t have to stick around for it just because you’re worried that you may end up hurting your partner’s feelings. You’ve long established with your FWB that you’re both there for the sex, so if your partner’s performance isn’t up to par, then what the hell are you two doing? It’s totally okay for you to walk out of the door and find someone else who can satisfy you.

Save money spent on dates

If you add all the money on the things you spend on your dates, such as the new top and skirt you bought just for the special occasion, your bus tickets or gas money, movie tickets, popcorn and drinks, lunch expenses, afternoon snacks, and finally dinner, you’re going to come up with a pretty hefty amount. Let’s say you go on dates twice a week. You double that amount, and that’s how much your date costs you.

Even if you’re cheap on dates, you’re still going to end up spending money one way or another. Just transportation alone is going to cost you.

Here’s another benefit you can reap from an FWB relationship. For all my cheapskates out there, you’ll be happy to know that there’s practically no need for you to go on a date with your FWB. As a matter of fact, dates are (sort of) forbidden.

Dates are for regular couples. It’s when couples spend quality time so they can get to know each other better, which is totally a waste of time in terms of a relationship. There’s no need for you to learn anything about your FWB partner other than how he wants to take it in bed, what his favorite sex position is, which sex toy he’s comfortable with, and how many rounds can he go in one night.

No anniversaries you need to remember

Normal couples celebrate every little thing under the sun. Aside from the official yearly anniversary of their relationship, they also sometimes commemorate the day of their first meeting, quarterly meeting, some even celebrate monthly. Not only do these celebrations cost money, but they can also be a source of stress and hassle. It’s borderline ridiculous yet totally understandable. Couple who are in so love to get cheesy like that.

But when you’re in a friends with benefits situation, there’s really nothing you need to celebrate, other than the great sex you’re having. You don’t need to spend a dime on a fancy surprise dinner party with your partner, and if you forget about the date of your first meeting, it’s totally fine. Your partner isn’t going to hold it against you.

You keep your freedom

A committed and exclusive relationship is good, and all but that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Others can’t be tied down just yet.

Some men and women want to have the freedom to go out and sample the different flavors the world has to offer before finally settling down. They want their cake, and they want to eat it too.

If you’re one of them who values their independence, you may want to explore your choices by engaging in an FWB situation. Because of it’s convenient and upfront nature, FWB relationships are the perfect set-up for free-spirited people like you. You can hit it and quit it anytime you like with no feelings getting hurt in the process. It doesn’t matter if you keep at it for weeks or months, the rules stay the same. You’re non-exclusive, and whatever you got going, it stays in the bedroom only.

FWB breakups don’t end with tears

Breakups are hard. It’s especially hard when you’ve been emotionally invested in the relationship. It can get messy and painful in the end.

If you want to save yourself from all that drama, then go for an FWB relationship.

There’s no love lost when a friends with benefits arrangement ends, because there was never love to begin with. There are no tears shed, and no hearts broken. You’ve been keeping everything casual, so you’re not emotionally devastated when the time comes that you need to turn to another chapter of your life. A clean breakup, while not always guaranteed, is still more feasible in an FWB than in normal couple relationships.

The takeaway

There’s no denying that FWB relationships number one perk is the sex that comes with it. The rest are just bonuses. As for the question whether it’s worth giving a shot or not, it all depends on the person really. If you’re someone who can have a physical relationship without developing emotions, then this one is for you. But if you’re the opposite, then we suggest you don’t involve yourself in an FWB situation and find something more serious instead.