Better known as ‘friends with benefits’ (FWB), this phenomenon, defined as a part-time, limited-time, or even monogamous friendship between two people who enjoy physical intimacy with each other but are not interested in being together long-term, is increasingly discussed publicly and acceptable with the 2011 release of No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kucher and the soon-to-be-released self-titled Friends with Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis.

Like casual sex?

No. The friendship aspect involves the opportunity to experience mutual support, affection, and enjoyment and often fulfills romantic or emotional needs.

Same as ‘One Night Stand’?

No. One night stands are usually purely for sexual gratification.

Do men and women see eye to eye?

I wasn’t surprised when my Facebook poll indicated that men are in favor FWB (not a huge surprise), but I was surprised and astonished, to put it mildly, to find that at least 50% of the women also indicated that by specifying limits and limitations (i.e. rules), they could see a relationship of friends with work rights.

Researchers at Deakin University say that women aged 18 to 35 are just as likely as men to enjoy casual sexual arrangements, but for different reasons. Women say these arrangements give them sexual confidence, while men are more likely to say they enjoy the intimacy of friendship.

Women and men over the age of 35, coming out of long-term relationships, or recently divorced, are also more interested in participating in FWB.

An increasing number of people are getting into friends with benefits relationships, so instead of telling you not to do it, which frankly is DEFINITELY (bold, underscore, italicsALL CAPS!) My advice, here are my seven recommendations on how to do it right!

The critery

1. Honesty — With yourself. If you’re secretly hoping your FWB will turn into a long-term relationship, don’t!

2. Discretion — My great-grandmother used to say that if you want to keep a secret, tell it to a dead person.

3. Stay on task — Clearly, physicality is a key benefit here. Focus on it and do it right!

4. Trust — In other words, don’t be territorial. You have no right.

5. Sobriety — Need I say more?

6. Known vs. friend — If you choose an acquaintance, you don’t have to worry about losing a friend when it’s all over.

7.Rules — Clearly state the rules. For example, is PDA (Public Display of Affection) allowed?

And, most importantly, don’t say I didn’t warn you!