What does FWB mean to you?

I had a FWB, we would message each other randomly to see if the other was home and if we wanted to hook up.

Sometime we did, sometimes we didn't. It was fun while it lasted.

Your posts are so strange.

We give opinion on what this situation would be to us, from our POV. This doesn't change whatever label you put on it. Why are you so precious about it anyway?

You asked for people's definitions, opinions, experiences, you got it back and then it turns out it's not what you wanted to hear. Go figure.

That sounds like a non exclusive relationship.

FWB to me is literally messaging each other to arrange when we’re next seeing each other to sleep with one another. I was FWB for a year with the kids dad (we now have two kids) and we’d speak here and there but never socialised or did anything together. We exclusively slept with one another and that was it. It was a great life

Well I don't know, like I say it's entirely up to you what label you put on your own situation/life, but personally if I was sleeping with someone on the level of a very close or best friend (someone you speak to multiple times a day, rely on for help in difficult times etc) I would call that a relationship because much more complicated and important feelings would be involved than just someone who I have casual sex/benefits with.

Out of interest OP, I know you say you don't have a problem with him seeing or sleeping with other people and vice versa but hypothetically (you don't have to answer) how would you feel if he got a long term monogamous girlfriend/partner? Aside from the sex being off the table, how would you feel about that? Or what about if it was the other way around? If you genuinely feel it wouldn't change your relationship then I guess that does really indicate the friendship part is the real deal there and the sex is incidental...

Realised I didn’t answer your question - I gave my examples because I think they demonstrate what it means to me, a friend you like and are attracted to and enjoy sleeping with and spending time with, but the ingredients that would make you compatible for a serious relationship are missing. That feeling has to be mutual for it to work, obviously.

FWB and fuckbuddy are synonymous with me. Maybe a bit more socialization with a FWB

I had one for 10 years! I joke it was my longest ever relationship. We met at high school and started sleeping together once we’d both left school. He did meet my parents but only because I lived with him at the time. He was great in bed and I enjoyed hanging out with him but there were certain traits that I didn’t like about him, so I didn’t want to pursue a serious relationship. He was very emotionally closed off and I’m the opposite. It really was a case of “I like/fancy him enough to shag and spend time with, but not enough for anything more”, and I’m sure he felt the same about me.

For the first few years, we’d see each other maybe once or twice a month and we did go out for dinner and on day trips. When we both moved out of our hometown it became less frequent - maybe 2-3 times a year. We both dated other people in between our FWB-ing and if either one of us was in a relationship we’d obviously stop the sex, but still chatted as friends. We don’t talk any more, just fizzled out/drifted away, but it was brilliant while it lasted.

I had another FWB for about a year which was a very similar deal, not right for each other for a relationship but physically attracted and enjoyed the occasional shag. that ended when he got into a relationship but we still occasionally chat over social media (nothing sexy, just light friendly catch ups).

I really enjoyed both. On both occasions it suited me and them perfectly, and we did get on as mates too, not super close friends but enough to actually enjoy hanging out. I also liked the uncertainty and excitement that came with not knowing when you’d see them next, so it always felt like it was in the buzzy early dating stage.

Yeah I mean it's your thing, you can call it whatever you like but to me it sounds a little bit beyond what I'd call friends with benefits.

To me FWB implies you have an ordinary friends relationship, but also happen to (sometimes) have sex. I don't usually plan weekends away just me and one friend (except my one best friend but I've known her since we were kids and she's more like a sister), I don't message my friends multiple times a day, I wouldn't expect to be be introduced to most of my friends wider circle, parents or extended family (except at birthday parties, weddings etc). Most of them I meet up with in group situations rather than 1 on 1. Those are the things that make your situation seem more like a long term casual/non commited or non exclusive relationship rather than FWB to me. FWB does also seem to have a short term element to it where either party can pretty much call an end to the 'with benefits' side to the relationship without notice and no hurt feelings on either side, whereas if you're planning trips etc I'm guessing either one of you would actually be quite hurt if the other suddenly decided sex was off the table?

To me it has not been so clinical as just sex but more dating with zero expectations. Drinks, meals, cinemas etc a couple of times a month. Usually someone utterly removed from my main social circles or work. A secret almost.

I think a FWB is someone you sometimes have sex with but have no attachment or strong feelings for and you both sometimes have sex with other people. It’s not a particular regular occurance or else it’s just an open relationship.

What you class as a fuckbuddy 'is' what a FWB is. You're describing a none exclusive relationship.

It doesn't matter anyroad. As long as there aren't any babies or STDs. Fill your boots.

What you're describing is a relationship IMO.

Years ago I had a FWB who was my ex partner (after several years apart). We both knew I'd be moving abroad in few months' time and we didn't want the ties. We had a fab time together, we did go out a lot, partied, had evenings out at the cinema and drinks. He popped in to stay at mine, I popped to stay at his, we had dinners together. I would say it turned into a but of a summer romance after starting as FWB, but we both knew it'd be no strings attached and we weren't in love, we just enjoyed each others' company physically and intellectually. It was a really good time, actually. We're still friends now, probably 15 years later. Both married and we have families, occasionally we collaborate professionally and we still respect each other a lot. Great memories, but absolutely none of the excitement now!

I have been in a FWB situation which was a lot of messaging probs 4/5 days out of 7 and a meet up once a month where we would spend evening together and stay over and then leave in the morning. yours sounds more on the side of a relationship but to be honest does it need a label if it is works for you.

That's fine. You asked what it meant to me?

FWB and fuck buddies are the same thing to me. What you’ve described sounds more like a casual, non exclusive relationship.

I now know the difference between a FWB and a fuck buddy. I think. Every day’s a school day!

Sex with no strings attached. Sleeping with someone you're friendly with but don't want to be in any sort of romantic relationship with.
Scratching itches, basically.

A fuckbuddy is someone you meet for just sex. No socialising. No going to the pub and having a chat.

How is your FWB introducing you to family?

Sounds more like you are in an open relationship. Not friends with benefits.

My thoughts are one or other of you is using the other and why you're not in a relationship, God only knows.

That sounds like a non-exclusive relationship to me.

We're friends and texts once in a while and can have a drink and a chat, but we don't go on trips or know each other's families. I don't want that level of intensity/commitment. That's why I don't seek out relationships.

FWB generally means being utilised for sex. To me.
Seems to be all about the benefits and not so much of the friends.