When people who have been involved in a friends with benefits (FWB) situation decide they can only be "just friends," the dynamic of their relationship typically undergoes a significant change. The transition from a casual, intimate arrangement to a platonic friendship can have various outcomes, depending on the individuals involved and the nature of their feelings and expectations. Here are some possible scenarios for how it might end for either party:
Mutual agreement: In the best-case scenario, both parties come to a mutual agreement that they want to transition to being "just friends" without any hard feelings. They acknowledge that the FWB aspect served its purpose but is no longer what they desire. In this case, they can remain friends and continue to support each other emotionally without any romantic or sexual involvement.
Uneven feelings: In some cases, one person may develop deeper emotional feelings for the other while the other person doesn't reciprocate those feelings. This can lead to an imbalance in the relationship, and it may become challenging to maintain a genuine friendship. The person with unrequited feelings might find it painful to be around their former FWB and may choose to distance themselves for their emotional well-being.
Awkwardness: After ending a FWB relationship, there might be a sense of awkwardness or discomfort initially, especially if they were intimate with each other. This can make it challenging to resume a platonic friendship immediately. Some people might need some time and space to adjust to the new dynamic.
Fading away: In certain cases, after deciding to be "just friends," the two individuals might naturally drift apart over time. They might find that their connection was primarily based on the physical aspect, and without it, they don't have enough common interests or emotional bond to sustain a close friendship.
Successful friendship: On the other hand, some people can successfully transition from a FWB relationship to a solid, supportive friendship. If both individuals genuinely care about each other and share common interests beyond the physical aspect, they can maintain a strong bond as friends even after the FWB phase ends.
It's important to communicate openly and honestly during this transition to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings. If both parties are clear about their intentions and respect each other's boundaries, they have a better chance of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling friendship post FWB. However, if either person finds it too difficult to handle being just friends, it might be necessary to take a step back and reassess the relationship or consider limiting contact for a while until they are ready for a platonic connection.