We see a lot about failed relationships. A lot about love going wrong and all the drama that goes with it. It's one thing to endure a hideous breakup after a real relationship, but if you want to protect yourself from breakup blues with your Friends With Benefits -- there are some guidelines to follow. Breakups suck at the best of times, but there's no reason to go through those motions with someone who was -- for all intents and purposes -- an extended fling. So here you have it, the ten commandments of Friends With Benefits.
1. Thou shalt not get clingy
The most basic and essential principle to FWB is that you two aren't dating or "official." Bombarding them with text and Snapchats is bound to scare them away, leaving you sexless and bored.
2. Thou shalt not linger
After waking up severely hungover, squished against my wall, and with zero interest to socialize, the last thing I wanted was awkward small talk with the guy laying beside me. "I'll leave in 10 minutes." An hour goes by, and I was still squished against my wall with my drunken hook-up from the night before hogging my pillows. Don't be that person. No one likes a lingerer.
3. Thou shalt not get personal
Keep it professional aka don't introduce them to your personal life. They don't need to meet your friends, and especially not family members. "Don't ask me about my day. You're a source of physical fun, not an emotional tampon."
4. Thou shalt pick brawn over brains
Pick someone you're only attracted to physically. Mental compatibility leads to bonds and developing emotions. Less time talking, more time messing around.
5. Thou shalt unbalance time
Time spent in the bedroom should out weigh time anywhere else. If you two are spending more time out and about, you're doing it wrong.
6. Thou shall use protection
Always, Always, Always. This should just speak for itself.
7. Thou shalt set boundaries
Set some guidelines: are other FWB allowed? Do you want to know if there are others? (Which you probably should for health concerns -- gotta look out for your lady Pikachu.)
8. Thou shalt keep it fun
If it becomes work, stressful, or some sort of mind game Sudoku puzzle, then why are you involved?
9. Thou shalt keep eyes open
Always keep in mind that you aren't dating. You are still on the market for that real special someone to come sweep you off your feet. Until then, tall, tan, and averagely handsome in the apartment down the hall can satisfy some of your desires.
10. Thou shalt keep cautious
Beware: someone always falls in the end. So, keep your feelings in check.