Can an FWB Turn Into a Relationship? Signs It’s More Than Casual

Team MyMuse - Oct 08, 2024

Wondering, “Can an FWB Turn Into a Relationship?” Discover the signs that it's becoming serious. Read on to find out if love is in the air!

FWBs (friends-with-benefits)—sounds like the dream, right? All the fun, none of the commitment? But here’s the plot twist: sometimes, the no-strings-attached fling can feel a lot like a relationship. And then you’re left wondering, “Is this just casual, or is something more brewing under the surface?”

If you’ve found yourself second-guessing your chill friends-with-benefits rules and wondering, “Can an FWB turn into a relationship? Is this my happy ending?” Then, you’re not alone! Many have wandered down this path, and the answer isn’t always black and white.

What Exactly is a Friends-With-Benefits (FWB) Relationship?

You’re hooking up with your friend. Simple. You have fun, share laughs, maybe binge-watch a series together, and the best part—zero commitment. It’s perfect for those who want the perks without the pressure. But what happens when your casual relationship feels… well, less casual?

Can a FWB Turn Into a Relationship?

Does a ‘friends-with-benefits’ relationship turn into a relationship? Short answer? Yes. Long answer? It depends on both of you. Sometimes, FWBs develop feelings, and things evolve into a full-blown relationship. It’s not a myth—it happens! But it’s not always a given. Some people are happy keeping it casual forever. So, how do you know where you stand?

A woman talking about her casual relationship

Signs It’s More Than Just Casual

Emotional Availability

Are you both starting to share more than just bed space? Maybe you’re talking about personal stuff, like your day, your dreams, or even deep topics you usually save for close friends or romantic partners. If you're opening up, things might be getting real.

More Time Together

When you hang out, is it just for the obvious? Or are you catching movies, going for dinner, and spending time like a couple would during a date night? If it’s more than late-night meetups, this could be a sign you’re both inching toward something more.

Jealousy

If you catch yourself feeling possessive when they mention someone else, that’s a red flag (or a green one, depending on how you look at it). Jealousy is often a tell-tale sign that feelings are developing.

Shifting Priorities

Are they suddenly making plans with you outside of your usual “benefits with water-based lubricant”? If your FWB starts treating you like a priority, it might be time to have "the talk."

How to Move From FWB to Relationship

So, you’ve caught the feels. Now what? Don’t panic. Transitioning from FWB to a relationship is totally doable—but it’ll take some effort.

Communicate Your Feelings: The first step is having an open conversation. Let them know how you feel. It might be nerve-wracking, but honesty is the only way to know where you both stand.
Set Boundaries: If things are moving toward a relationship, it’s time to create some new boundaries. Maybe you’re both done with the casual hookups and want to start dating exclusively.
Give it Time: Don’t expect a sudden shift. It might take a while for the dynamic to change completely. Be patient and see where it goes!

What If It Doesn’t Work Out?

Can an FWB happily turn into a relationship every time? Unfortunately, not every FWB arrangement evolves into a relationship. If they’re not on the same page, it’s important to manage your expectations. Remember: just because they don’t want more doesn’t mean they don’t care about you, but it’s crucial to protect your own emotional well-being too. If things aren’t heading where you want, it might be time to walk away and towards Link remote-controlled massager.

Is It Worth the Risk?

There’s no definitive answer to whether a FWB relationship will turn into something more serious. Every situation is unique, and while there’s definitely potential, there’s also risk involved. But hey, no risk, no reward, right? Just remember to keep the communication lines open and be clear about what you want. And who knows? Your FWB could just turn out to be your perfect match!