How to Break Up with a Friend with Benefits
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were casually hooking up with a friend, but then you started to catch feelings? Or maybe you started dating someone else and you realized it was time to end things with your FWB.
Whatever the reason may be, ending a friends with benefits relationship can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to break up without any drama.
Reasons for ending the FWB relationship
It’s important to identify why you want to end things with your FWB. Are you catching feelings?
Maybe you’re starting to date someone else, and you don’t want to continue the casual hookups anymore. Or maybe it’s a mutual agreement that the relationship has run its course.
Once you know the reason, it’s easier to communicate it to your FWB and end things amicably.
Challenges in breaking up with an FWB
The biggest challenge in breaking up with an FWB is the potential awkwardness. You’ve been intimate with this person, and it can feel uncomfortable to have to end things.
Additionally, you might have developed an attachment to this person that makes it difficult to let go. If you work together or are in the same industry, it could make things even more awkward.
And if you have mutual friends, there’s always the risk of negative reactions.
Tips for breaking up with an FWB without drama
1. Avoid sex before ending things
It might be tempting to hook up with your FWB one last time, but avoid the temptation.
Sleeping with them before you end things can send mixed signals and make the break up even more difficult.
2. Give an honest reason
When ending things, it’s important to be sincere. Let your FWB know why you’re ending things and be honest.
If you’re catching feelings, say so. If it’s just not working out, let them know that too.
3. Use the ex reason if necessary
If you’re having a hard time being honest with your FWB, you can always use the classic “I’m getting back together with my ex” excuse.
It’s a harmless white lie that provides closure for both parties.
4. Be kind and magnanimous
When ending a FWB relationship, it’s important to be kind and magnanimous. Use a soothing tone of voice and euphemisms to let them down gently.
Compliment them on their good qualities and make it clear that the decision to end things was yours alone.
5. Decide if you still want to be friends
After ending an FWB relationship, it’s important to decide if you want to remain friends. If so, let them know that you still appreciate them as a friend.
But if you don’t feel comfortable being friends, it’s okay to move on.
6. Don’t avoid them
After ending things, don’t avoid your FWB. Treat them with the same respect and kindness as before, while still giving them space if needed.
7. Let them know you still appreciate them as a friend
Even if you don’t want to continue being intimate with them, let your FWB know that you still appreciate them as a friend.
Emphasize the good times you shared and let them know that you value their friendship.
8. Ask if they are upset
If your FWB seems upset after the break up, ask them how they’re feeling. It shows that you care and want to make the transition as smooth as possible.
9. Prepare them
Before ending things, it’s always a good idea to prepare your FWB.
Let them know that you want to talk about the future of the relationship. This gives them time to mentally prepare for the conversation.
10. Take some time off
After ending an FWB relationship, take some time off from seeing them.
This will give you both time to process your feelings and move on.
11. Don’t go out with them alone again
It’s important to establish boundaries after ending an FWB relationship. Avoid going out with them alone or spending time with them in intimate settings.
12. Let them be upset
It’s normal for your FWB to be upset after the break up, so don’t be surprised if they are.
Give them space to process their feelings.
13. Stick to your decision
Once you’ve made the decision to end things, stick to it. Don’t let your FWB convince you to change your mind or give in to their desires.
14. Talk to a different friend
If you’re struggling to move on, talk to a different friend about your feelings.
They can provide support and advice to help you through the transition.
15. Do normal things
After ending things with your FWB, focus on doing normal things that make you happy. Spend time with friends, pursue hobbies, and focus on self-care.
16. Let it be
Finally, it’s important to let the relationship be.
It served its purpose, but it’s time to move on. You never know, your next relationship might be just around the corner.
How Not to Relapse into Your Old FWB Routine
If you’ve recently ended a friends with benefits relationship, it can be tempting to fall back into your old routine. But it’s important to remember why you ended things in the first place.
Here are some tips on how to avoid an FWB relapse:
Saying “no” to an FWB relapse
The first step in avoiding an FWB relapse is to say “no” to any offers to hook up. It’s okay to feel guilty or regretful, but it’s important to stick to your decision and maintain control over your actions.
Finding someone else to focus on
If you’re feeling lonely or nostalgic for your FWB, try finding someone else to focus on. Go out on a friendly date, or chat with someone online.
There are plenty of other options out there.
Reflecting on why you broke it off
When you’re feeling tempted to relapse into your old FWB routine, take a moment to reflect on why you ended things in the first place. Maybe you were tired of the sex, or you couldn’t handle the emotional attachment.
Whatever the reason, remind yourself of it.
The importance of not relapsing
Remember, there was a reason why you ended things with your FWB. Falling back into your old routine will only lead to more awkwardness and potentially making the same mistake again.
Stay strong and avoid the temptation.
In conclusion, ending a friends with benefits relationship can be challenging, but it’s important to do so with honesty, kindness, and respect.
Remember to establish boundaries after the break up, and don’t be afraid to take some time off. And if you’re tempted to relapse into your old FWB routine, say “no” and stay strong.
How to Get Over a Friend with Benefits
Breaking up with a friend with benefits is never easy, as it often involves a mix of complicated emotions. However, it’s essential to move forward and move on after the end of an FWB relationship.
Here, we’ll discuss some effective ways to get over an FWB relationship.
Figuring out the details of the end
Closure is crucial in a friends with benefits relationship. To move on, it’s important to figure out the details of how it ended.
Was it a mutual decision, or did one person end things? If one person ended it, was it for specific reasons?
Figuring out the details of the end provides clarity, which will help you move on.
Another important detail to consider is if you caught feelings.
If you did, it’s essential to address it, even if it’s just with yourself. Recognize that you may feel a sense of loss, and it’s okay to confront those emotions.
Finally, it might help to make a plan for the future. Decide whether or not you want to stay friends and how to avoid any future awkwardness.
If you’re ready to move on, consider ways to meet new people and start fresh.
Giving yourself a break
After ending an FWB relationship, it’s important to give yourself a break. Take time to reflect on the relationship and how you feel about the end.
Reflecting on the relationship can help you identify any patterns or problems that you may have had in the relationship, giving you insights into what you might want and need in future relationships. Additionally, create a personal plan to stay busy and active during this time.
Reconnect with old friends, try new hobbies, get involved in community events, and focus on self-care. Taking the time to invest in yourself will help you feel fulfilled and happier.
Avoiding overthinking
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after ending an FWB relationship is overthinking. Accept that the relationship is over and embrace the new opportunities a fresh start can bring.
It’s also important to remember that it’s natural to feel lonely after the end of a relationship, but that doesn’t mean you should try to reach back out. One way to stop overthinking is to remind yourself of the reasons why it didn’t work out.
Reaffirm to yourself that you made the right decision and that it’s time to move on. Also, try meditation or other mindfulness practices to help clear your mind and calm your thoughts.
In conclusion, getting over a friend with benefits is never easy, but it’s essential to move forward and move on.
Figuring out the details of the end, giving yourself a break, and avoiding overthinking are all effective ways to help you get over an FWB relationship.
Remember to take care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
In conclusion, ending a friends with benefits relationship, navigating a break-up, and moving on can be challenging, but it’s essential to do so with honesty, kindness, and self-care.
By following these tips and strategies, including figuring out the details of the end, giving yourself a break, and avoiding overthinking, you’ll be able to move on from the end of a FWB relationship with as much grace and ease as possible. Remember to take care of yourself, seek support from friends and family, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for a happier and healthier future.