Friend with benefits relationships can be a great way to enjoy the company of someone you care about without the commitment of a traditional relationship. But, it’s important to set boundaries and establish clear expectations from the start to avoid confusion and hurt feelings. 

That’s why it’s important to consider these ten (10) rules for friend with benefits before you dive into this kind of arrangement. Read on to learn more about how to make your friend with benefits relationship successful.

1) Rule #1: Set boundaries from the start

When it comes to a friends with benefits relationship, setting boundaries from the start is crucial. This means discussing what you both want out of the arrangement, and what you are not comfortable with. It's important to make sure you are both on the same page about the level of intimacy and emotional connection involved.

Setting boundaries can also help prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the line. For example, if one of you starts to develop stronger feelings, it's important to be upfront about it and re-evaluate the arrangement if necessary.

Boundaries can also include things like frequency of communication, expectations for spending time together outside of hookups, and even contraception preferences. It may not be the most romantic conversation, but it's necessary for a successful and respectful friends with benefits relationship.

Remember, setting boundaries doesn't have to be a one-time conversation either. It's okay to revisit the discussion as your relationship evolves and as your needs change. Just make sure you're both willing to be open and honest about your wants and needs, and respect each other's boundaries.

2) Rule #2: Don't lead them on

It's important to be clear about your intentions from the beginning when it comes to a friends with benefits relationship. If you're not interested in anything serious or long-term, make sure your friend knows that.

Leading them on or giving them false hope will only lead to hurt feelings and confusion down the road. 
It's also important to avoid any actions or behaviors that could be interpreted as romantic or emotional involvement. This could include holding hands, cuddling, or talking about a future together. It's important to keep the relationship strictly physical and avoid any mixed signals. 

Remember, being honest and straightforward about your intentions will save both of you a lot of heartache in the long run. Make sure you communicate your boundaries clearly and avoid any behavior that could be interpreted as leading them on. Keep things casual, keep things honest, and keep things simple.

3) Rule #3: Keep it casual

One of the main benefits of a FWB relationship is that it's supposed to be casual. You're not supposed to be tied down or obligated to each other in any way. You're simply two friends who enjoy spending time together and engaging in physical intimacy. That being said, it's important to keep things light and carefree.

Don't try to make the relationship into something more than it is. Don't try to introduce your FWB to your family or take them on dates. Keep things casual and you'll be able to maintain a healthy and enjoyable FWB relationship.

4) Rule #4: Don't get too attached

One of the biggest risks with a friends with benefits relationship is the potential to catch feelings. It's important to remember that the whole point of this arrangement is to keep things casual and fun without getting emotionally invested. It's easy to start to feel a deeper connection with someone you're spending intimate time with, but if you start to catch feelings, it can quickly turn into a messy situation.

To avoid getting too attached, make sure to keep reminding yourself that this relationship is not a romantic one. Don't make the mistake of trying to change your friend with benefits into something more, and don't let them do the same to you. Stay focused on the reasons why you both agreed to this arrangement in the first place and try to keep emotions out of the equation.

If you do find yourself catching feelings, it's important to be honest with your friend with benefits.

Communicate how you're feeling and see if they're on the same page. If not, it may be time to end the arrangement before things get too complicated. Remember, the point of a friends with benefits relationship is to have fun and enjoy each other's company without the complications of a traditional relationship. Stick to the rules and you'll both have a great time!

5) Rule #5: Don't forget to communicate

One of the most important rules when it comes to a friends with benefits relationship is to never forget to communicate. It's crucial to establish clear boundaries and make sure that both parties are on the same page. Without communication, there's a high risk of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and crossed lines.

When you first start a friends with benefits relationship, it's essential to lay out ground rules that both parties can agree on. Discuss how often you'll see each other, what activities you're comfortable with, and what you're hoping to get out of the arrangement. This way, you both know exactly what to expect and can avoid any confusion.

As the relationship progresses, it's also essential to check in with each other regularly. Discuss your feelings, your desires, and any issues that may come up. This way, you can avoid any problems and ensure that both parties are happy with the arrangement.

Remember that communication goes beyond just discussing boundaries and expectations. You should also be communicating during and after each encounter. Let your partner know what you enjoyed and what you'd like to do differently next time. Make sure that both parties are having a good time and are comfortable throughout the encounter.

Communication is essential in any relationship, and it's even more crucial in a friends with benefits relationship. Make sure that you're always open and honest with your partner, and never be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right. By following this rule, you can help ensure that your friends with benefits relationship remains happy and healthy for both parties involved.

6) Rule #6: Keep things exciting

When it comes to a friends with benefits arrangement, it's important to keep things exciting. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spice things up with wild sexual acts, but rather that you should aim to maintain a level of interest and anticipation in the relationship. 

One way to do this is by trying new things in the bedroom. Maybe you've always been curious about role-playing or using sex toys, but haven't had the opportunity to explore those fantasies. As long as both parties are comfortable and willing, introducing new experiences can be a great way to keep things interesting.

Another way to keep things exciting is by planning fun outings or activities outside of the bedroom. Whether it's going on a hike, trying a new restaurant, or even taking a trip together, sharing experiences together can create a stronger bond and make the arrangement feel more fulfilling. 

It's important to note that while keeping things exciting is important, it's equally important to prioritize respect and communication. Make sure that both you and your friend with benefits are on the same page about what activities you're comfortable with, and never push boundaries without clear consent. As long as both parties are honest and respectful, a friends with benefits relationship can be a fulfilling and exciting experience for everyone involved.

7) Rule #7: Be honest about your feelings

Being in a friends with benefits relationship doesn't mean you have to hide your emotions or feelings. It's important to be honest and communicate your feelings with your partner. If you start to develop romantic feelings for them, it's better to be upfront and honest about it, rather than pretending everything is okay.

If your FWB doesn't feel the same way, it may be time to reconsider the relationship. It's important to respect each other's emotions and not lead them on. Remember, this type of relationship is supposed to be casual and not serious, but that doesn't mean you have to pretend that you don't have feelings.

Honesty is also important when it comes to boundaries. If you start to feel uncomfortable with certain activities or situations, it's important to communicate this to your partner. This will help you maintain a healthy and respectful relationship.

Overall, honesty is key in any relationship, even in a friends with benefits scenario. It's important to communicate your feelings and boundaries, and to respect each other's emotions. Remember, it's possible to have a fun and exciting FWB relationship while also being honest and open with your partner.

8) Rule #8: Don't neglect your friendship

It's easy to get caught up in the physical aspects of a friend with benefits relationship and forget about the actual friendship that exists between you two. But it's important to remember that at the end of the day, you are still friends, and you should treat each other as such.

Make sure to check in with each other regularly, ask about their day, and share your own experiences. Don't let your interactions be solely based on hooking up. Go out and do things together, like grabbing coffee or seeing a movie. These activities will strengthen your bond as friends and make the physical aspect of your relationship even more enjoyable.

Additionally, don't let jealousy or possessiveness get in the way of your friendship. Remember that you are not in a committed relationship and are free to see other people. Don't get upset if your friend with benefits is spending time with someone else, and make sure to be honest with them if you start seeing someone else yourself.

By prioritizing your friendship, you can maintain a healthy and enjoyable friend with benefits relationship.

9) Rule #9: Be respectful

One of the most important aspects of a friends with benefits relationship is mutual respect. Even though you may not be in a committed romantic relationship, it's crucial to treat your friend with benefits with kindness, respect, and consideration. Remember that your friend with benefits is a real person with real feelings, and you should never take them for granted.

Respect also means being mindful of their time and needs. If you've made plans to hang out or hook up, make sure to show up on time and be respectful of their schedule. If they're not feeling up to it or have other plans, be understanding and don't pressure them into doing something they don't want to do.

It's also important to respect their privacy and boundaries. Make sure you're both comfortable with the level of intimacy you're sharing, and don't share their personal information with anyone else without their consent.

Ultimately, being respectful is about treating your friend with benefits the way you would want to be treated. If you can maintain a sense of mutual respect and consideration, your friends with benefits relationship can be a positive and fulfilling experience for both of you.

10) Rule #10: Have fun!

Last but definitely not the least, the most important rule of being in a friends with benefits relationship is to have fun. It's easy to get lost in the routine of your regular lives and forget why you started this in the first place. Don't overthink things too much and let things unfold organically. Remember that you are in this relationship to enjoy each other's company and have a good time. So, make sure you're both having fun and not just going through the motions. 

There's no one right way to have fun, it's up to you and your partner to find out what works best for both of you. Maybe it's going out for drinks or having a movie night at home. Maybe it's trying out new things in the bedroom or exploring new places together. Whatever it is, make sure you're both on the same page and enjoying yourselves. 

And remember, the beauty of being in a friends with benefits relationship is that there are no strings attached. You can choose to end things at any point if you're not having fun anymore. So, make the most of this arrangement and have a good time!