What is the difference between friends with benefits and an open relationship?

We all know that definitions mean a lot in a relationship.

But for many people, defining a relationship can become very complicated and confusing.

It can be easy to understand more traditional types of relationships, such as monogamous or exclusive.

But when it comes to less conventional cases, like open relationships and friends with benefits, the definitions can get a bit more ambiguous.

If you want to understand the true meaning of these terms, here are some key differences.

Surely, they will help you decide what you want as a relationship.

So what do these terms really mean?

The basic definition of a open relationship is: a non-monogamous relationship.

Both people involved are also open to being with other people.

They can have sex with other people. And they can also form deep emotional connections, which can even resemble romantic relationships.

Be friends with benefits it is defined exactly by its name. The very foundation of the relationship is a solid friendship, but it also has a physical or sexual aspect.

Now that the basic definitions are clear, let’s start getting into the nitty-gritty of their differences.

The main differences between being friends with benefits or having an open relationship

1) The reasons for starting each type of relationship may vary

There are many reasons why people would choose to have these types of relationships.

If someone is in a open relationshipdoes not mean that you can never see yourself in an exclusive relationship.

You may very well see potential in your connection, but you just need more time to decide if you are truly a match.

Once they have established a deeper bond, they may choose to enter into a more committed relationship.

It could also happen that one of the two is interested in other people. They might be evaluating what type of relationship might work best.

Generally, those who are in an open relationship don’t want to limit their options just yet.

If an originally exclusive couple is transitioning into a long-distance relationship, they might also consider an open relationship.

Given the distance, they may think this will work better for them.

An open relationship can also be in a choice of a monogamous relationship, which is in conflict.

They may want to try being with other people, to spice up the current relationship they have. Many relationships can mutate over time.

Or maybe they want to see if they really are meant to be together by discovering other people.

If a person decides to transform their relationship from friendship to one of friends with benefits, it may be because you long for more intimacy with that special friend. But, nevertheless, she feels that she is not yet ready for a serious relationship.

These people simply want a friendship, but with all the advantages of being in a physical relationship.

Generally, they want something more casual and occasional.

It may also happen that they do not want to commit to that person, with whom they get along very well.

However, they feel that sex can be very good.

2) There are differences in the level of commitment

people in open relationships they are usually committed to their partners for the long term.

The couple may consider themselves boyfriend and girlfriend and may even be married.

Once again, they allow themselves to go out and have emotional or sexual relationships with other people.

They don’t consider this to be cheating as long as, at the end of the day, they still come home to each other.

On the other hand, friends with benefits they are not committed to each other, at all.

Unlike open relationships, there are no expectations or strings attached.

There are no emotional obligations, because you owe nothing to each other. No one has the right to be jealous or to demand accountability.

3) There is a different type of connection involved

For one open relationshipthere’s definitely a cemented emotional connection, compared to being friends with benefits.

Couples in an open relationship are much more passionate, since they bond because they have the same interests.

Furthermore, they grow together, reconcile their conflicts, and are genuinely concerned about the other person’s well-being.

in an agreement of friends with benefitsthey only have a physical and sexual relationship, in addition to being friends.

People belonging to this relationship may not have romantic feelings for each other.

Because of this, the people around them only see them as friends and are not expected to act like a couple.

There’s also no expectation of big dates or fancy dinners. The possibility of love and marriage are not things friends with benefits would likely talk about.

Although if you doubt if your friend could have fallen in love with you, here is an article that might interest you.

Also, there is no “next level” to go to in this kind of relationship. To understand this better, let’s compare this to an exclusive relationship, where there are multiple levels and stages of growth.

As we all know, a serious relationship starts first with introductions or getting to know each other stage. If both of you are attracted to each other, the couple will start dating.

Once the relationship gets a little more serious, you may introduce yourself to your respective family and friends.

And later, marriage and children may be the common next step for them.

However, for friends with benefits relationships, there is only one level. You cannot expect growth in this type of relationship. They are only there for the occasional physical exchange.

4) These relationships can lead to different results

Some people may prefer to just continue a open relationship for the rest of their lives. But not all open relationships are like this.

If the open relationship no longer works, the couple would have to separate similar to how they would in an exclusive relationship.

They would discuss the issues at hand and make it clear that they are ending the relationship.

Another possibility could be that they want to move from an open relationship to a more exclusive one.

Eventually, they reach a point where they feel like they know each other well enough to move to the next level. They then decide that they want to become exclusively engaged, ending all their other romantic relationships.

On the other hand, friends with benefits they can end with one party developing real emotional feelings or falling in love with the other.

If you both agree that an exclusive relationship is more favorable, then that would be great news for everyone.

But if only one of them wants to take their relationship to the next level, this can result in a lot of tension and heartbreak.

And even if no one falls for the other, those who enter this type of relationship know that their connection has some kind of expiration date.

In other words, it’s no secret that this relationship is only temporary or short-term.

And once they decide to end the relationship, they don’t have to bring it up and discuss it formally.

One should not be surprised if they see the other in a serious romantic relationship. Since there was no engagement in the first place, it is understood that the two may start dating without the consent of the other.

5) You could be hurt in different ways

A couple may have initially consented to a open relationship. However, they must regularly affirm whether or not they want to stay together in this way.

Communication and sincerity are, as in any relationship, fundamental.

Complications can arise, if there is some misunderstanding between the two or if one is not being honest. This can cause a lot of emotional pain and can have serious negative effects on your relationship.

This is very similar for the friends with benefits. The only difference is that being friends with benefits can be an even riskier decision. This is so, because there is no commitment from the beginning.

So if one falls for the other, there may be a higher chance of being rejected.

dating is complicated

As you may have noticed, there are indeed many differences between being in an open relationship and being friends with benefits. But there are also several similarities.

Entering into any of these types of relationships means that you are not fully prepared for a serious and committed relationship with another person.

Keep in mind, however, that even after the similarities and differences have been clarified, the terms of the relationship will still largely depend on what the couple wants and has specified for themselves.

We are all different and there may be things we agree with and others we don’t.

Additionally, different people may interpret definitions and terms in unique ways. So, as a general rule, each relationship should be evaluated independently.

Likewise, the most important thing in all of this is not to hurt yourself or feel uncomfortable in any kind of relationship. You must take care of yourself and always go the way that makes you happiest. If you feel bad about the current kind of relationship you’re in, don’t hesitate to end it and change direction.

No one but you knows what is best for you. Being calm and at peace is what ultimately matters.

one last warning

It is not a good idea to enter into a relationship of this type if what you want is something serious with a man.

To think that this could change over time is just wishful thinking.

Better make sure that they are both in the same place and that they want the same thing. Otherwise it won’t work and you could get hurt.