The saying “let’s keep it casual” is pretty popular, especially when it comes to “friends with benefits” (FWB) arrangements. It’s basically an agreement where two people enjoy some benefits, mostly of a physical nature, without the emotional entanglements of a serious relationship. While some manage this kind of relationship well, it can be tricky for others to keep emotions out of it.
Now, you might be wondering if it’s okay to spend the night with your FWB. The answer isn’t straightforward—it really depends on the rules you’ve set together.
Some folks might think sleepovers are a bad idea for FWBs because it can blur the lines of the arrangement. The goal of an FWB relationship is to have some intimate moments without deep emotional connections. But if you want to understand why sleepovers can be so complicated, let’s look at a few factors.
The Consequences
When considering whether to allow sleepovers, there are several potential consequences:
1. Emotional Attachment and Intimacy
Sleeping over can lead to emotional attachment. Cuddling and pillow talk foster intimacy, which can shift the nature of your FWB relationship into something more serious.
2. Relationship Complications
Without clear boundaries, sleepovers can complicate things. Morning sex and spending more time together can turn a casual arrangement into a more committed one, which might not be what either of you signed up for.
3. Clingy Behavior
Keeping personal items at each other’s places can add a layer of seriousness to the relationship. This can lead to one person becoming more involved and turning the FWB arrangement into something more complicated.
What You Should Know Before Sleeping Over with an FWB
Here are some important things to consider before deciding to spend the night:
1. Set Boundaries
Make sure you both set and respect boundaries. This will help maintain the casual nature of your relationship.
2. Avoid Emotional Feelings
An FWB relationship should stay clear of emotional intimacy. If you can keep feelings out of it, sleepovers might work.
3. Choose Wisely
Pick an FWB who you aren’t emotionally attached to but are physically attracted to. This helps keep things simple and within the boundaries set.
4. Be Transparent about Your Sex Life
Honesty is crucial. If you both communicate openly, sleepovers are less likely to complicate things.
5. Remember Why You Started
Keep the purpose of the relationship in mind. Remind each other why you started to avoid any confusion or emotional complications.
Are There Benefits to Sleeping Over with an FWB?
Besides more opportunities for sex, there aren’t many benefits to sleepovers in an FWB relationship. They can lead to emotional intimacy and more commitment than you might want. If one party is ready to move things to the next level, sleepovers might be appealing, but if you want to keep things casual, it’s better to avoid them.
Final Thought
Allowing sleepovers in an FWB relationship can be tricky. Every action has potential consequences—including developing emotional attachment or having deeper conversations that might lead to feelings. Before deciding to sleep over, keep the above points in mind to avoid complications. Sometimes, making a firm decision to stick to the initial agreement helps in maintaining a successful FWB relationship.