This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you don't necessarily want a committed relationship but would like to have sex on a regular basis, a friends-with-benefits (FWB) relationship might be just the thing you're looking for! But how do you get something so awesome started? Read on for expert tips from dating coach John Keegan and licensed clinical psychologist Supatra Tovar so you can have a successful and satisfying friends-with-benefits relationship.
Initiating Friends with Benefits
If you've got your eye on someone for a FWB relationship, flirt with them a bit to get a feel for your chemistry. Express your interest in casual sex and FWB situations to see how they react. If they react positively, initiate sex with them and ask them afterward if they're interested in a FWB relationship with you.
Steps
Conversation Help
Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs it possible to just be friends with benefits?Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RDDr. Supatra Tovar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, Fitness Expert, and the Owner of Dr. Supatra Tovar and Associates. Dr. Tovar has worked in the fields of health education, clinical dietetics, and psychology. With over 25 years of holistic wellness experience, she practices Holistic Health Psychotherapy. She combines her psychology, diet, and fitness knowledge to help those struggling with depression, weight gain, eating disorders, life transitions, and relationships. Dr. Tovar holds a BA in Environmental Biology from The University of Colorado Boulder, an MS in Nutrition Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PsyD in Clinical Health Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness ExpertLicensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness ExpertExpert AnswerPossibly, but it's important to check-in with your partner regardless. Sex between friends can seem harmless, but it can sometimes lead to strong feelings. Find time to check in with each other on a regular basis and see how the relationship is progressing. Staying friends no matter what should be the top priority! -
QuestionHow do you stay detached in a FWB?Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RDDr. Supatra Tovar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, Fitness Expert, and the Owner of Dr. Supatra Tovar and Associates. Dr. Tovar has worked in the fields of health education, clinical dietetics, and psychology. With over 25 years of holistic wellness experience, she practices Holistic Health Psychotherapy. She combines her psychology, diet, and fitness knowledge to help those struggling with depression, weight gain, eating disorders, life transitions, and relationships. Dr. Tovar holds a BA in Environmental Biology from The University of Colorado Boulder, an MS in Nutrition Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PsyD in Clinical Health Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness ExpertLicensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness ExpertExpert AnswerMake a proposal and define the terms of your relationship. It's really important to communicate exactly what your hopes and expectations are. How often will see each other? What are the expectations in the friendship and with the sexual relationship? Can you see other people at the same time? How can you ensure everyone's safety from STDs, if so? Getting as specific as possible helps eliminate confusion, mixed signals, and potential problems in the future. -
QuestionWhat are some good ground rules for a friends with benefits situation?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerDifferent FWB find that different things work for them, so sit down with your friend and make a list of things you can both agree to. For example, you might make it a rule not to cuddle or not to hook up more than a certain number of nights in a row. Whatever you decide on, the most important rules are to communicate clearly and honestly and respect each other’s boundaries.
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Tips
Tips from our Readers
- Don't think it over too much, it's meant to be fun! Friends with benefits are a good way to practice your "moves" if you're not as practiced. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice or to show you new things.
- Be the best version of yourself. Find a friend who will respect and communicate with you, and just have some fun.
- Avoid situations where your friends with benefits would ever meet each other so you can avoid awkward encounters.
Warnings
- Make sure you're protecting yourself against STIs and pregnancy (if applicable). Talk to your FWB about getting tested and be transparent when you have sex with anyone else.Thanks
References
- ↑ Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-do-i-navigate-friends-benefits-relationship
- ↑ https://www.theestablished.com/community/identity/what-happens-to-friendships-once-the-benefits-disappear
- ↑ Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
- ↑ Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-do-i-navigate-friends-benefits-relationship
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-do-i-navigate-friends-benefits-relationship
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-communication/202203/6-rules-being-friends-benefits
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/me-we/201502/what-it-really-means-be-friends-benefits
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-communication/202203/6-rules-being-friends-benefits
- ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 14 December 2022.
- ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 14 December 2022.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-communication/202203/6-rules-being-friends-benefits
- ↑ Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
- ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 14 December 2022.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-communication/202203/6-rules-being-friends-benefits
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/me-we/201502/what-it-really-means-be-friends-benefits
- ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 14 December 2022.
- ↑ Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
- ↑ Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202305/3-ways-to-crack-the-friends-with-benefits-code
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-myths-of-sex/202306/what-happens-to-friends-with-benefits-over-time
- ↑ https://www.theestablished.com/community/identity/what-happens-to-friendships-once-the-benefits-disappear
- ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 14 December 2022.
- ↑ https://www.theestablished.com/community/identity/what-happens-to-friendships-once-the-benefits-disappear
- ↑ https://www.theestablished.com/community/identity/what-happens-to-friendships-once-the-benefits-disappear
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-myths-of-sex/202306/what-happens-to-friends-with-benefits-over-time
About This Article
To start a friends-with-benefits relationship, pick a friend who is available—whether that means they’re single or in an open relationship. Avoid choosing anyone you think might catch feelings for you, or vice versa. If possible, choose someone who’s already had experience with casual hookups. Flirt with the person and see how they respond. If they seem into it, let them know that you’re interested in having some no-strings-attached fun with them. If they’re okay with having an FWB relationship, have an honest chat about your boundaries and expectations. For example, you might make it a rule that you’ll only hook up a certain number of times per week so you don’t start to get too attached. Have fun together, but keep communicating about how things are going so there are no hurt feelings or misunderstandings. For more tips, including how to flirt with a friend to show you want to get intimate, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"That it's OK to like someone first. Also, about the pre-event discussion, which has actually happened naturally already. Now about to embark, also to see others as well. Good to know it's OK to go out with someone else if I was asked."..." more