FWB Relationships: Friends with Benefits (FWB) –

Physical Pleasure, Emotional Pain, and Mental Health Impact. Is FWB Good or Bad? By Bangkok Matching, a Leading Matchmaking Company for High-Profile Singles.

 

We’re friends… but we also have a physical relationship.” This is a statement that Bangkok Matching, a high-end matchmaking company, believes many people today have encountered or heard of. Some may have even experienced or are currently in a “Friends with Benefits” (FWB) relationship. This type of relationship has become more common in Thai society, with increasing public discussions about personal experiences and FWB relationships being openly discussed on social media platforms.

 

However, Bangkok Matching often observes that those involved in these relationships face challenges stemming from “feelings” they believe they can control but eventually succumb to emotional vulnerability. This makes Friends with Benefits – FWB an intriguing subject. Beyond the benefits of establishing clear agreements, it’s crucial to understand the emotional impacts and how these relationships affect our mental well-being.

 

Why do people seek Friends with Benefits (FWB) relationships?

 

People have different needs and reasons for pursuing various types of relationships, particularly in today’s world, where relationships have become more diverse and complex. The desire for emotional comfort from a friend, without the intention to progress from friendship to romance, often leads to FWB relationships.

 

Experts have also noted that Friends with Benefits – FWB relationships can serve as an interim arrangement until one finds the right person for a serious relationship. It can be seen as a way to alleviate loneliness while waiting for a new relationship.

 

What is an Friends with Benefits – FWB relationship according to experts?

 

While many view FWB relationships as arising from loneliness or a desire for new experiences, a counseling psychology expert from the Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, explains that relationships can generally be divided into two categories: Romantic Relationships and One-Night Stands. Friends with Benefits lies somewhere in between these two.

 

FWB relationships occur between people who aren’t complete strangers but have a friendship of varying degrees of closeness. They agree to have a physical relationship without progressing to a romantic or committed partnership.

 

 

Based on a study by psychologist Justin J. Lehmiller, published on Psychology Today, which examined the development of Friends with Benefits (FWB) relationships, data was gathered from 192 individuals in such relationships. The research found that these FWB relationships typically involved people who had known each other for approximately three years. After participating in the study for one year, the status of the participants’ FWB relationships was as follows:

 

• 31% were no longer in contact with their FWB.
• 28% had returned to being just friends.
• 26% continued their FWB relationship.
• 15% had transitioned into romantic partners.

 

The study concluded that over the course of one year, FWB relationships tend to change frequently, making them unstable and difficult to predict, with only 15% evolving into long-term relationships. This suggests that FWB relationships are often temporary, with most participants ending the arrangement within a year, and only a small portion successfully returning to a platonic friendship.

 

Researchers further concluded that the primary challenge of FWB relationships lies not in their development into romantic relationships, but rather in whether two people can successfully return to being “just friends” after the physical aspect of their relationship has ended.

 

Misconceptions About the Excitement of FWB Relationships

 

Contrary to popular belief, many assume that FWB relationships offer excitement and heightened satisfaction. However, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research that compared 190 individuals in FWB relationships with those in conventional romantic relationships found that people in FWB relationships reported lower levels of sexual satisfaction than those in committed partnerships. This contrasts with the common expectation that FWB arrangements would lead to greater excitement and fulfillment.

 

Additionally, the negative emotional consequences of FWB relationships have been highlighted in research conducted by the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Although FWB relationships may initially evoke feelings of happiness, validation, and satisfaction, they can also lead to negative emotions such as:

• Loneliness
• Confusion
• Feeling used
• Uncertainty
• Betrayal

 

These emotions are more frequently experienced by women in FWB relationships than men. Men, on the other hand, tend to feel more satisfied with FWB relationships, enjoying the lack of long-term commitment or emotional responsibility. Women, while initially feeling safe and comfortable being with a trusted friend, may later experience feelings of emptiness and isolation after engaging in such a relationship.

 

Falling for Your FWB: A Major Issue

 

High-end matchmaking firm Bangkok Matching emphasizes that one significant risk in FWB relationships is developing romantic feelings for your FWB. When this happens, the dynamic changes as the relationship is no longer based purely on physical attraction but is influenced by emotions of love. This shift can complicate the relationship and often leads to its termination, potentially resulting in the loss of a valued friendship. Therefore, it’s crucial to adhere to the “rules” of an FWB relationship to avoid confusion and heartbreak.

 

Essential Rules for Maintaining an FWB Relationship

 

To prevent an FWB relationship from ending poorly or causing emotional distress, several key guidelines should be followed:

 

1. Set Clear Boundaries

 

It’s essential to define the boundaries of the relationship clearly. For instance, agree on when and how often you will meet, and avoid crossing into personal matters. Remember, sex does not equate to love, and love does not equate to sex. If you over-communicate or spend too much time together, you might start developing deeper feelings, leading to complications.

 

2. Be Emotionally Stable Before Starting

 

Before entering an FWB relationship, ensure that you are emotionally stable and not in a vulnerable state. Emotional instability can easily lead to romantic feelings, especially since your FWB is likely someone who knows and understands you well. Individuals in FWB relationships need to have strong emotional control and clear intentions without being too sensitive.

 

3. Avoid Multiple Partners

 

For safety reasons, it is important to remain exclusive within the FWB relationship. Being faithful to both yourself and your partner helps prevent the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, which could have long-term health consequences. Agree with your FWB that you will not be involved with other partners during the course of your arrangement.

 

4. Continuously Assess Your Feelings

 

After entering an FWB relationship, regularly check in with yourself to ensure it still aligns with your desires. If you start feeling uncomfortable, unfairly treated, or uncertain about the arrangement, it may be time to reconsider your involvement. Monitoring your emotions helps protect your mental and physical well-being.

 

Is an FWB Relationship Wrong? Is It Considered Cheating?

 

An FWB relationship is not inherently wrong, provided both parties are single and have mutually agreed to the arrangement. However, the situation becomes morally questionable if one person is already in a committed relationship, as it then falls into the realm of infidelity. Engaging in FWB without the consent of all involved parties can be considered a breach of trust and could even have legal ramifications if one of the participants is married.

 

For those contemplating an FWB relationship due to its perceived excitement or novelty, Bangkok Matching advises careful consideration of all aspects of this arrangement. If you wish to avoid unrequited love or the loss of a friend, it’s crucial to fully understand the dynamics of an FWB relationship before proceeding.