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7 ways to go from FWB to a relationship
It happens to the best of us — one night, you hang out with a friend of yours, and it unexpectedly turns into something more. Suddenly, you find yourself stuck in a friends with benefits situation. But, as the friends with benefits relationship continues, you discover you actually want a more meaningful relationship. Moving from a friends with benefits relationship to a more committed, serious one isn't always easy, and there are definitely risks involved. The important thing to ask yourself before putting yourself on the line is: has your friend shown interest in taking things to the next level? Some signs include:
- They introduce you to their friends
- You hang out together a lot
- They don't mention their exes
- They've told you they're not seeing other people
- They text you a lot
If you get a sense that your FwB might be into a more serious relationship, then here are 7 ways to transform your friends with benefits situation into an actual committed relationship:
1. Be affectionate
If you're trying to transform your friends with benefits situation into a serious relationship, you should shower them with affection. But don't be overbearing. Show them emotional support, and always be positive. They'll soon realize that you're relationship material.
2. Do more together than just have sex
Most friends with benefits relationships are centered around sex. But if you want to take your relationship to the next level, you should spend quality time with your friend. Try out new restaurants, go to shows, or do something active like hiking together. This will enable both of you to get to know each other more intimately, allowing a relationship to blossom.
3. Remain chill
Your friends with benefits might give you mixed signals as you try to change the dynamics between the two of you. But it's important to go with the flow. If they're resistant to hanging out with you more often and in different contexts, then give them some space. If they're interested, they'll eventually come around to you.
4. Introduce them to your friends
If your friend hasn't yet already met your friends or isn't a part of your friends' circle, you should definitely invite them to hang out with your friends. As they get to know your friends and bonds with them, they'll feel more comfortable entering into a committed relationship with you.
5. Limit booty calls
If your friend is used to texting late night booty calls, try to limit those. The goal is to change how they view you so that your relationship can transform into something more. Instead, you should make plans to hang out with them. Suggest going to dinner and a movie together, and see how they respond.
6. Stay emotionally healthy
It's important to stay emotionally healthy during the process of turning friends with benefits into a relationship. You shouldn't become obsessed with your friend, or drop all your plans whenever they ask to hang out with you last minute. Continue to live your life as if you're still single.
7. Let them chase you
Some people just love the chase. And a little healthy jealousy can go a long way. Instead of always pursuing them, allow your friend to chase you. This means not always being available when they want to hang out with you, and continuing to date other people until they actually commit to you.
Say goodbye to FwB and hello to LTR
When trying to turn a friends with benefits situation into a long-term relationship, it's crucial that you listen to your gut instinct. And while there's always a risk that you might lose your friend in the process, the good news is that almost 50 percent of friends with benefits situations turn into long-term relationships. Take a chance, and go for it!
References
- "14 Women Reveal How They Turned Their "FwB" Relationship into Something More," Thought Catalog, May 15, 2016.
- "Can You Turn Your Friends with Benefits into Something More?," Glamour, April 7, 2015.
- "Can You Turn Your FWB into Something More?," Marie Claire, June 5, 2014.
- "Will Your FwB Turn into a Relationship? It's Possible," Glamour, February 5, 2013.
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