 usually means no-strings sex, with the added benefit of being with someone you get on with and, importantly, trust. 'FWB arrangements are usually set up with a focus on trust and not commitment,' Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex and relationship coach, tells Metro.co.uk. 'The idea being that you can trust your friends more than a stranger when being intimate, and there is enough openness and respect between you to be honest about what you want.' As Jessica Alderson, co-founder and relationship expert at dating app So Syncd, tells Metro.co.uk, when done right, a FWB set up can be extremely fulfilling. Namely, she says, you get your sexual needs met, it can be safer than having regular one night stands, there's no pressure, there's a sense of trust, you maintain your dating freedom and – best case scenario – there are no games. But, as many have discovered the hard way, FWB arrangements are not exempt from complications. What could go wrong? Julia notes that FWB arrangements are usually 'short term' and the relationship is destined to morph and shift, depending on what you both want and need. Here are the issues you need to look out for. Lack of honesty 'Sometimes people get into a FWB situation with someone they've liked for a while and want a relationship with,' she says. But this is the number one don't of these arrangements. 'The thinking is that if their friend spends time with them and they have great sex, they will want a relationship too.' While this can happen, she says it's rare. 'If you are being dishonest about your intentions for how you want things to play out, you can end up getting hurt in one way or another.' Unclear boundaries Boundaries are important for any relationship, and the best way to make sure they aren't violated is by communicating){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
For people looking to scratch an itch without veering into serious, committed, relationships, there is perhaps no more ideal set up than the elusive friends with benefits.
Having a friend with benefits (FWB) usually means no-strings sex, with the added benefit of being with someone you get on with and, importantly, trust.
‘FWB arrangements are usually set up with a focus on trust and not commitment,’ Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex and relationship coach, tells Metro.co.uk.
‘The idea being that you can trust your friends more than a stranger when being intimate, and there is enough openness and respect between you to be honest about what you want.’