Not all FWB relationships are created equal. Let’s break down the five most common scenarios:

• The best friends: When your go-to buddy becomes your “benefits” buddy, it’s like having your cake and eating it too.
• The backup plan: Think of this as the "in case of emergency, break glass" type of situation. You might not be each other’s first choice, but when neither of you has another love interest, spending the night together is better than being alone.
• The booty call buddy: When you’re not close friends but there’s enough attraction to prompt the occasional “you up?” text, sex may become the common interest that fuels an otherwise casual friendship.
• The unexpected friendship: Ever hooked up first and became friends later? It's like starting a book from the middle — exciting, unconventional, and so intriguing you have to jump back to the first page to find out what you missed.
• When less becomes more: Forget the traditional love story trajectory. In the FWB world, it's sometimes the other way around. First comes the fling, then … well, maybe something more. This type of FWB is like a test drive; you check out the ride before deciding whether you’re in it for the long haul.

Navigating any of these scenarios requires honesty, self-awareness, and a good sense of humor when sex is on the table. Remember, in the world of FWB, it's all about enjoying the ride with a clear understanding of where you're headed — even if the “where” is home alone.