More than friends with benefits but not a relationship (complete guide) meaning, signs, characteristics, challenges, & tips to navigate situationship

Most often people in FWB agreements get stuck in more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation.

In other words, you’re not in a relationship but more than friends with the person. Or you both are More than friends but not dating each other yet.

 It’s a complex situation where both you and your FWB partner know what you have, but you’re not sure how to label it and navigate through this situation.

It’s a situation where you’re not sure what to do next and you’re feeling confused and frustrated. You don’t know what to do and how to move forward.

In this blog post let’s start off by discussing what it means to be in more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation, how to recognize it, the challenges it may bring, pros, cons, signs you’re more than friends, and how to move forward if you want to take things to the next level. 

We will also look at how to handle communication with your FWB partner in this situation, how to stay clear about your expectations and how to approach the topic of exclusivity and commitment.

What do you call more than friends with benefits but not a relationship?

The term “more than friends with benefits” is used to describe a relationship where two individuals engage in physical intimacy and emotional bonding but have not committed to a romantic or monogamous relationship.

There is no universal term for a “more than friends with benefits but not a relationship” relationship, as it can take on many forms and dynamics.

While the term, “more than friends with benefits but not a relationship” typically implies “casual relationship,” “a non-exclusive relationship,” or “a situationship.” Suggests a deeper emotional connection that goes beyond physical pleasure.

Also read: How long can a friends with benefits relationship last?

Are we friends with benefits or more?

Understanding the gray area of more than friends with benefits but not a relationship:

If you’re wondering, are we friends with benefits or more? The gray area between friends with benefits and a committed relationship is where things get complicated.

In this type of relationship, two individuals engage in sexual activity but also develop a deeper emotional connection.

This emotional connection may involve intimacy and affection, and the willingness to spend time and effort on each other.

While there may not be a commitment to a relationship, there is a level of exclusivity, and both individuals involved may become emotionally invested in each other.

Also read: Do guys care about their FWB? (As per research study)

The Characteristics of More Than Friends with Benefits But Not a Relationship

Are you not sure whether you are in a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship? Here is a list of characteristics that help you to understand your situation.

1. The blurred lines of exclusivity

In a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation, there can be a level of exclusivity that is not clearly defined.

While both individuals may not be in a committed relationship, they may also not be actively seeking other partners.

This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, as there is no clear agreement on the level of exclusivity.

2. The emergence of emotional attachment

Emotional attachment can develop in any type of relationship, including more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation.

This can lead to feelings of jealousy and possessiveness, which can be challenging to navigate. 

It’s important to acknowledge and address any emerging emotions with your partner to ensure that you’re both on the same page.

3. The presence of intimacy and affection

Intimacy and affection are important components of a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation.

These can range from physical intimacy to emotional support and affection.

4. The willingness to spend time and effort

A more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation often includes a significant amount of time and effort.

There is an urge to be close to your FWB partner, communicating regularly, making plans, and showing affection.

Moreover, you both are willing to invest the time and effort to maintain the relationship, but also to ensure that you’re not neglecting other areas of your life.

Also read: Do guys fall in love with friends with benefits?

20 Pros and Cons each for “More Than Friends with Benefits But Not a Relationship”

The following is a list of pros and cons of more than fwb but not dating situation:

Pros for more than friends with benefits:

1. Emotional connection: Having a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation can provide an emotional connection that may be lacking in a casual hookup.

2. Physical intimacy: Physical intimacy is a big part of this type of relationship, and it can be enjoyable and fulfilling.

3. No pressure for commitment: Both parties can enjoy the benefits of a relationship without the pressure of commitment.

4. Flexibility: This type of relationship can offer more flexibility than a committed relationship, allowing both parties to pursue their personal goals and interests.

5. Easy to end: Unlike a committed relationship, ending a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is often easier as there is no long-term commitment involved.

6. Opportunity to explore: This type of relationship can provide an opportunity to explore different types of physical and emotional connections without the pressure of a committed relationship.

7. No drama: There is less potential for drama and misunderstandings since both parties are aware of the boundaries of the relationship.

8. No need to impress: Unlike in a committed relationship, there is no need to impress each other or meet certain expectations.

9. No fear of heartbreak: This type of relationship provides emotional fulfillment without the risk of heartbreak that may come with a committed relationship.

10. Fun and enjoyable: A more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both parties.

Cons for more than friends with benefits:

1. Emotional attachment: Developing emotional attachment can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts if both parties are not on the same page.

2. Unequal expectations: Both parties may have different expectations, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

3. Unclear boundaries: Without clear boundaries, it can be challenging to navigate the relationship, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

4. Potential for jealousy: Physical intimacy with someone who is not committed to a relationship can lead to jealousy and insecurity.

5. Risk of catching feelings: Despite the intention of keeping the relationship casual, one or both parties may develop feelings that can complicate the situation.

6. Limited support: In a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation, there is limited emotional support that comes with a committed relationship.

7. Limited time together: This type of relationship can be limited to specific times or occasions, which may not provide enough time for both parties to build a deeper connection.

8. Risk of losing friendship: If the relationship ends, there is a risk of losing the friendship that was once there.

9. Limited growth: This type of relationship may not provide opportunities for personal growth or self-improvement, unlike a committed relationship.

10. Inability to make future plans: Without a clear commitment, making future plans can be challenging, leading to uncertainty and anxiety.

Also read: 15 Pros and Cons of Friends With Benefits

15 Signs That You Are More Than Friends with Benefits But Not in a Relationship

Here is a list of signs you’re more than friends with benefits:

1. You are Friends with benefits but not seeing anyone else

2. You feel a soulful vibe in the presence of your FWB.

3. You share an Emotional investment and vulnerability with each other.

4. You both have the willingness to prioritize each other’s needs

5. There is a Mutual respect and consideration for each other.

6. Enjoying each other’s company beyond the bedroom.

7. You engage in non-sexual activities together.

8. You have inside jokes and share personal stories.

9. You communicate frequently and consistently.

10. You know each other’s friends and family.

11. You’ve met each other’s exes.

12. You show affection in public.

13. You make plans for the future together.

14. You support each other through difficult times.

15. You feel comfortable talking about your feelings with each other.

Also read: 20+ Signs your fwb is over

10 Challenges of More Than Friends with Benefits But Not a Relationship

These are some challenges of more than friends with benefits but not a relationship couple often struggle with:

1. The absence of clarity and definition

2. The lack of security and stability

3. More than friends but not dating

4. The potential for misunderstandings and conflicts

5. The difficulty of managing expectations

6. The possibility of getting hurt

7. The pressure to conform to societal expectations and norms

8. The risk of one person catching feelings while the other person doesn’t feel the same way

9. The difficulty of ending the relationship if one person wants to take it to the next level and the other person doesn’t

10. The challenge of balancing emotional and physical intimacy while maintaining boundaries.

How to Navigate a More Than Friends with Benefits But Not a Relationship?

So, how do you handle a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship? The first step is to understand the nature of this type of relationship.

It’s essential to recognize that it’s not a committed relationship, and both parties are free to date or pursue other people.

It’s important to keep the emotional connection in perspective and not to assume that it means more than what it is.

Here are some tips and strategies to handle a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation:

1. The Importance of Open Communication and Honesty

One of the most important factors in navigating a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is open communication and honesty.

Both parties need to be upfront about their expectations and what they are comfortable with.

It’s essential to communicate regularly and check-in with each other to ensure that both parties are on the same page.

Without open and honest communication, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise, leading to hurt feelings and potentially damaging the relationship.

2. Establishing Boundaries and Expectations

Establishing boundaries and expectations is crucial in any relationship, but it’s especially important in a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation.

This can include setting limitations on the frequency of communication, establishing exclusivity boundaries, and defining what each person is comfortable with regarding physical intimacy.

By setting clear rules and boundaries, both parties can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and focus on enjoying the emotional and physical connection.

3. Being Mindful of Your Emotions

In a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation, it’s easy to get caught up in the physical aspect of the relationship and forget about your emotional well-being.

It’s important to be aware of your emotions and be honest with yourself and your partner about your feelings.

If you’re starting to develop feelings for the other person and want a committed relationship, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation about it.

Ignoring your emotions can lead to hurt feelings and potentially damage the relationship.

4. Avoiding Assumptions and Misinterpretations

Assumptions and misinterpretations can be detrimental to any relationship, but they can be especially damaging in a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation.

It’s important to avoid assuming that the other person wants the same thing as you or interpreting their actions in a way that may not be accurate.

If you’re unsure about something, it’s always best to ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.

5. Prioritizing Self-Care and Self-Respect

In any relationship, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and self-respect, and this is especially important in a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation.

It’s important to be clear about your boundaries and to respect yourself enough to enforce them. 

If the other person isn’t willing to respect your boundaries, it may be time to reassess the relationship and move on.

Ultimately, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner about what you want from the relationship.

If you’re starting to develop feelings for the other person and want a committed relationship, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation about it.

If the other person isn’t on the same page, it may be time to reassess the relationship and move on.

Also read: How to make friends with benefits work? (15 Tips and rules)

What is the most common reason behind failed fwb relationships?

The most common reason behind failed FWB relationships is a lack of clear communication and established boundaries.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, over 60% of friends with benefits relationships end due to one or both partners developing feelings for each other that are not reciprocated.

Individuals who reported lower levels of communication and fewer established rules were more likely to experience negative outcomes, such as emotional distress and dissatisfaction, in their FWB relationships.

Furthermore, research suggests that individuals often enter into FWB relationships with different expectations and intentions.

Some may be seeking emotional connection and intimacy, while others may be looking for a purely physical relationship.

Without clear communication and established boundaries, these differing expectations can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

It’s important for both parties to be upfront about their expectations and establish clear boundaries to avoid these issues.

Communication and honesty are crucial in any type of relationship, including FWB relationships. 

By prioritizing open communication and establishing clear boundaries, individuals can increase their chances of a successful and fulfilling FWB relationship.

When to End a More Than Friends with Benefits But Not a Relationship?

Deciding to end any relationship can be difficult, and a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is no exception.

However, there are certain signs that indicate it may be time to end the relationship.

Here are three important factors to consider when deciding whether to end a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship:

1. The importance of recognizing your needs and wants

One of the most crucial factors in deciding whether to end a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is to recognize your own needs and wants.

If you’re starting to develop romantic feelings and want a committed relationship, but the other person is not interested in a long-term commitment, it may be time to reassess the relationship. 

It’s essential to prioritize your emotional well-being and be honest with yourself about what you want and need from the relationship.

2. The presence of red flags and deal breakers

Another sign that it may be time to end a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is the presence of red flags or deal breakers.

These can include issues such as dishonesty, lack of communication, and disrespect.

It’s crucial to be aware of these red flags and deal breakers and to evaluate whether they are deal breakers for you. If they are, it may be time to end the relationship.

3. The difficulty of letting go

One of the most challenging aspects of ending a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is the difficulty of letting go.

Even if you recognize that the relationship is not fulfilling your needs or if there are red flags present, it can be challenging to end the relationship and move on.

However, it’s essential to prioritize your emotional well-being and to recognize that letting go is necessary to move on and find a relationship that meets your needs and desires.

4. The lack of growth and progress in the relationship

Another sign that it may be time to end a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation is the lack of growth and progress in the relationship.

If the relationship has been stagnant and not moving forward, it may indicate that both parties are not fully invested in the relationship.

It’s essential to have a conversation with your partner about your desires and expectations for the relationship and evaluate whether you see a future together.

If you’re not seeing any growth or progress, it may be time to move on.

5. The impact on your mental health and well-being

It’s crucial to consider the impact of the relationship on your mental health and well-being.

If the relationship is causing you more stress and anxiety than happiness, it may be time to reassess the relationship.

It’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being and recognize when a relationship is not fulfilling your needs.

Ending the relationship may be difficult, but it’s necessary to take care of yourself and move on to a relationship that brings you happiness and fulfillment.

Also read: What to do when friends with benefits ends?

How to end a more than friends with benefits not a relationship situation respectfully?

Ending a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation can be challenging, but it’s important to recognize when a relationship is no longer fulfilling your needs or when red flags and deal breakers are present.

Consider your own needs and desires, be aware of red flags and deal breakers, and acknowledge the difficulty of letting go.

Additionally, evaluate the growth and progress of the relationship and the impact it has on your mental health and well-being.

Remember to prioritize your emotional well-being and make a decision that is best for you.

Also read: What happens after friends with benefits ends?

Can More Than Friends with Benefits But Not a Relationship Turn into a committed Relationship?

Yes, a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation can turn into a real relationship. However, this is not always the case and depends on the individuals involved and their willingness to commit to each other.

It’s important to note that starting a relationship from this type of situation can be challenging as both parties may have different expectations and may have to navigate their feelings and the boundaries they have set.

However, if both individuals are open and willing to communicate and establish clear boundaries, a deeper emotional connection can be formed, leading to a more committed relationship.

According to a study conducted by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, couples who started as friends with benefits were just as happy and satisfied in their relationship as couples who started in a more traditional way.

This suggests that starting a relationship from this type of situation can lead to a successful and fulfilling long-term relationship.

Also read: How to turn friends with benefits into a relationship? (7 steps & 3 tips)

However, it’s important to remember that not all friends with benefits situations turn into relationships, and it’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner about what you want from the relationship.

If you’re looking for a committed relationship and the other person is not, it may be time to reassess the relationship and move on.

Ultimately, the key to turning a more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation into a real relationship is open communication, honesty, and a willingness to commit to each other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the gray area between friends with benefits and a committed relationship can be challenging.

A more than friends with benefits but not a relationship situation can be emotionally fulfilling and enjoyable but can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

The key to navigating this type of relationship is open communication, establishing clear boundaries,

The importance of self-awareness and being honest with yourself and your partner about your feelings.

Remember to prioritize your emotional well-being and be willing to reassess the relationship if necessary.