Being FWB actually can be healthy, she says—if youre careful about it, that is. In fact, for some people, FWB relationships work even better than more traditional monogamous relationships, explains Richmond.

Is it OK to have friends with benefits while in a relationship?

Theres nothing wrong with that, of course, and its not necessarily a bad thing. Relationships naturally evolve all the time. “It is possible for some people to maintain a FWB relationship with someone while they have a different, primary romantic relationship, but it usually becomes complicated quickly,” she adds.