The Complex Guide To Surviving A Friends With Benefits Relationship

Don't let Hollywood give you mixed messages about casual sex arrangements; we're here to deliver the honest truth.

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Complex Original

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"Friends with benefits" relationships never fulfill for their intended purpose: getting one's rocks off without any emotional commitment or attachment. At least in movies they don't. Why? Because both parties always let their guard down and live happily ever after. But "happily ever after" ends when you realize you're in a long term relationship that you weren't ready for and, thus, have to go through the pain and humilation of a break-up, not to mention the six months of wallowing and weight gain.


Don't get us wrong—we're still going to check out Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake work through it in their new rom-com Friends With Benefits (in theaters tomorrow). We just want caution you about the pitfalls of real-life, strictly sexual relationships before Hollywood makes you start irrationally seeing a FWB as anything other than problematic. If you're considering a Kunis/Timberlake-like fling, first consult our following Guide To Surviving A Friends With Benefits Relationship.

10. Know what type of person you are first.

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9. Avoid picking someone from work.

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8. Let her know what's up from the beginning.

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7. Fight off jealousy.

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6. Avoid making any affectionate phone calls.

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5. Never cuddle with her.

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4. Don't invite her as your date to any special occasions.

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3. Never have sleepovers.

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2. Keep seeing other people.

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1. Once any romantic feelings arise, end it.

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