Two major types of friends with benefits (FWB) relationships exist: one for sex and the other for companionship. But today, most FWB relationships seem to be hinged on casual sex than anything else.
According to several surveys, more than 4 out of 10 friends with benefits (FWB) relationships will turn into a permanent relationship. Numbers also show that more than 3 out of 10 FWB relationships will end in a friendship
That’s why this post provides complete information on ten (10) top stats about FWB relationships.
1. In a US study, 31% of FWB relationships end in breakups
Wiley Online Library
A study conducted involving dozens of people in FWB relationships shows that one-third of these relationships end in breakups. At least 31% of participants in the study reported a breakup within one year.
About 28% of participants in the study believe their FWB relationships will end in friendship. Also, 27% of participants say they will either break up or continue in the FWB relationship.
2. Over 40% of singles in an FWB relationship will later become friends
Match.com
A survey conducted by Match.com through its Singles in America section gathered data on singles in FWB relationships. The numbers reveal that about 45% of singles currently in an FWB relationship will become good friends later.
Many participants in the survey claimed to have a closer attachment to their FWB partner as their relationship lasted longer.
3. Over 30% of singles looking for matchmaking search through dating sites
PEW Research
A report reveals that about 38.9% of singles looking for a partner have used at least one dating site. Several FWB relationships kick off from popular dating sites, so some of these singles might be in sex-for-benefit relationships.
4. 48% of respondents in an FWB study don’t want things to get romantic
Journal of Personal Relationships
Almost half of respondents in a study about friends with benefits report that they don’t desire a romantic relationship. However, many of the respondents were willing to be sexually-involved with a partner for certain benefits.
5. In a US study, 12% of people in FWB relationships want a platonic friendship
Wiley Online Library
A US study revealed that 12 out of 100 respondents in an FWB relationship desire a platonic association.
6. Over 70% of people in an FWB study don’t set any rules or ask questions about the future
Journal on Archives of Sexual Behavior
Findings from a study reported that as much as 84.4% of people involved in FWB relationships don’t entertain conversations. Also, the study showed that 73% of respondents don’t set any rules after the relationship kicks off.
7. About 15% of people in FWB relationships who want romance might get it
Business Insider
A study involving more than 190 people sought to discover the most likely trend of FWB relationships among respondents. The study mainly relied on data sourced from straight, white women mostly in their 30s.
After one year, the study reported that 15% of respondents were able to get romantic with their FWB partner. What the data shows is that just over 20 women were able to get into a romantic relationship in a FWB relationship.
The numbers show that, contrary to popular belief, FWB relationships are less likely to turn romantic within a year. Findings from the study might be less representative since it didn’t cover a large scope and longer timeline.
8. 2 factors (aligned expectations and communication) determine the outcome of a FWB relationship
Healthline
Communication between partners significantly determines how well a FWB relationship will go. Problems in the relationship become hard to solve when both partners can’t express their feelings freely to each other.
Aligned expectations constitute another major factor in the success or failure of a FWB relationship. Physical features or socio-economic statuses of partners are the usual foundations of most FWB relationships.
Couples who fail to communicate better and satisfy the requirements of their partner risk breaking up. FWB relationships grow into healthy unions due to solid communication and a sustained ability to satisfy each other.
9. Over 50% of FWB relationships will graduate into friendship
NCBI
An NCBI study discovered that about 50% of participants reported being friends with their FWB partner. Most FWB relationships are sex-based, however, the massive statistics on FWB turning friends creates a different picture.
10. 65.3% of sex-centric FWB relationships among college students will cause feelings to develop
Live Science
About 65.3% of college students in a recent study reported having feelings for their FWB partner after sex. Casual, recreational sex was one of the most common reasons why these students also believe their relationships won’t last
28% of the students say sex in an FWB relationship will harm their friendship. Also, 27% and 9% of the students had reservations about negative emotions and the risk of pregnancies and STDs.
