Time to bid goodbye to the classic “friends with benefits” relationship. In this article, we’ll explore why saying goodbye to a casual relationship might be the right move, as well as how to do it in a respectful and caring way. So let’s dive into the reasons it might be time to free yourself of the “friends with benefits” relationship and say goodbye for good.
1. What are Friends With Benefits?
Friends with benefits (FWB) is an arrangement between two friends that involves having an intimate relationship without the commitment of a romantic relationship. People who choose to become FWBs often want to have fun without the strings attached. There are no strings attached to this arrangement, as neither partner has any obligations or expectations from the other.
FWBs usually involve casual flirting, going out together in public, and occasionally having intimate times like cuddling or watching movies. They may also engage in activities like going to the beach or partying together, but usually without romantic expectations or emotional connections.
In most cases, the relationship between FWBs is limited to flirtation and contact at first. The duration of this arrangement and the frequency of contact between the two people vary. Generally, it’s best to keep the relationship short and casual so that either one of the friends can end it whenever they want.
FWBs can either be a positive experience or a source of disappointment for those involved. If both partners are honest with each other and know exactly what they want, then FWBs can be a great way to have fun. If either one of the partners has a different understanding regarding the relationship, then the situation can quickly become a source of disappointment.
- FWBs are not exclusive and involve casual flirting.
- They have no obligations or expectations from the other.
- Most relationships are limited to occasional contact.
- Experiences are based on the honesty between partners.
- Risks of disappointment are real if expectations aren’t clear.
2. Why You Should Say Goodbye to FWBs
Most people don’t like to hear it, but a Friends With Benefits (FWB) arrangement never works out the way it’s meant to.
It can start out great and then all of a sudden it’s a mess and complicated. That’s usually because an FWB relationship follows a predictable trajectory, almost always ending in heartbreak and regrets.
- FWB relationships can be less stable. No matter how much people try to deny it, if two people are in love with one another and only in an FWB relationship, one of them will eventually start wanting more.
- Things can get messy. When two people start sleeping together, feelings can become deeply entangled and lines can get blurred quickly. So, when it’s time to end it, the entire situation can become incredibly awkward.
- It keeps you from your true goals. Stable, loving relationships require commitment, but FWB arrangements keep you from finding what you’re truly looking for.
It’s best to take a step back, reassess your goals, and go for what you really want in life. FWBs are meant for one-offs or short flings; if you want something more meaningful, stick with authentic, committed relationships.
3. Saying Goodbye to Friends With Benefits
Parting ways with someone is not easy, especially when the feelings are mutual. Saying goodbye to your friends with benefits can feel especially confusing since it melds aspects of a dating relationship with a more platonic connection. But parting ways in such a situation is manageable if you follow the right steps and properly respect each other throughout the process.
Be Honest and Open
- Explain your feelings and how you have been feeling about the situation
- Express your appreciation for the relationship
- Be sensitive to their feelings and the emotions that could arise from the conversation
- Be honest and open about why you feel this is the right decision
Find Closure
- Allow the other person to tell you their thoughts and feelings and acknowledge them
- Find a way to make peace with the situation and maintain a level of respect
- Be gentle to each other when saying goodbye and wishing each other well
Breaking things off can be difficult, but it’s important to end the relationship with respect. If you walk away with closure, it will allow both parties to move on and will make for a much smoother parting.
4. Moving On From Friends With Benefits
Falling into a friends with benefits arrangement may have seemed like the quickest way to get companionship and physical intimacy. But it often leads to confusion and hurt feelings. Therefore, it is best to diplomatically move on from this arrangement.
- Be honest with yourself: It can be easy to tell ourselves that we can stay in a friends with benefits relationship and have nothing to worry about. But even if two people really care for each other, this arrangement can still lead to unexpected difficulties. Make sure you’re honest with yourself about how the relationship might affect you in the future.
- Be honest with your partner: Explain to your friend why you feel it is best to move on from the arrangement. Even though it may be a difficult conversation, it needs to be done. Tell them that you still care for them and that you don’t want to hurt them.
- Give yourself space: After initially confirming the decision to move on, you and your partner should give each other some space. This will give you both a chance to clear your minds and focus on yourself, instead of being fixated on the relationship.
- Let go of the resentment: If you find yourself feeling angry or resentful towards your friend, try to let it go. It is vitally important to stay on good terms since you both need to respect each other and enjoy each other’s company.
- Move on: You can maintain your friendship while moving on from being friends with benefits. Stay in touch with each other, spend time with each other’s friends, and don’t let bitterness take away from the friendship.
Conclusion
Overall, there is no ’one size fits all’ approach when it comes to saying goodbye to someone you once had a friends with benefits relationship with. Every situation is unique. By being honest about your feelings and respecting the other person’s perspective, you can both move on without causing too much hurt. Good luck!