Friends With Benefits: Harmless Fun Or Troublesome?

At first glance, it may seem like a stress-free alternative to other dating options. There are fewer expectations than a committed relationship. Plus, you get more action than from a one-night stand. Friends with benefits are often considered the happy medium of a serious relationship and a foolish sexual escapade.

How do these “friendly” relationships play into the college scene? Clearly, they’ve become increasingly popular. There is a reason why this sort of relationship has become so popular for college students: It’s easy.

Most college students want some part of their life to be simple. If their sex life can be simple, then most go for it. FWB relationships can give those a chance to take a break from the hectic pile of work they face.

Usually though, feelings come into play. Which is when the “fun-loving” turns into a downward spiral of stress and frustration.

Here’s what some UCF students said about their opinions on the subject.
 
Girls
 
“Personally, I don’t like them. You can’t deny the feelings you have for the other person. If you see them with someone else, chances are you’ll be upset. But if you’re not in a relationship, he won’t necessarily feel sorry.”
– Freshman
 
“If other people want to do that, it’s fine. I definitely don’t see the problem with that sort of relationship in college. College is really casual, so if people want to see each other in a laid back, stress-free way, I don’t see what’s wrong. I’m not sure if I’d ever be in that sort of relationship – it depends on where I am in my life.”
– Sophomore
 
“I’m not a fan of relationships. I don’t see the point in being serious with a guy I don’t see myself having a future with. There’s plenty of time for a real relationship once I’ve graduated and developed a career.”
– Junior
 
“I’ve done the ‘friends with benefits’ thing and it doesn’t work out. It might be fun at first, but you realize there are actual feelings there for that person. And usually, it never turns out to be a relationship. The guy I was FWB doesn’t even talk to me anymore. So much for good friendship.”
– Senior

Boys
 
“If the girl is cool with it, I don’t see the problem. With work and school, sometimes an actual relationship is just too much.”
– Sophomore
 
“It’s tough to call. Sure, it’s really fun and at first makes life less stressful. But usually one person, sometimes both, develops stronger feelings. And it almost never ends well.”
– Senior