Jealousy is a common element. Like in the case where one person in the fwb relationship gets jealous when the other talks to someone else. It ruins the casual vibe.
One fwb horror story I heard was that a girl thought she was in a casual 'friends with benefits' situation with a guy. But then he started getting overly possessive. He would show up unannounced at her place, demand to know where she was all the time, and even got angry when she talked to other male friends. It completely ruined the casual nature of their relationship and made her feel trapped.
A great positive in these stories is the shared experiences. In the case of Jane and Mark, they traveled, explored new places, and shared their interests. This enriches both of their lives. It gives them a chance to have a companion for activities without the heavy expectations of a committed relationship, allowing them to be more relaxed and enjoy the moment.
Honesty is a key element. In a fwb success story, the two people are upfront about what they want and don't want. For example, if one doesn't want any emotional attachment beyond friendship, they communicate that clearly.
One of my friends who had a fwb relationship. They once had a movie night. They were watching a horror movie and the fwb was so scared that he hid behind a pillow. My friend started making spooky noises just to tease him more and he jumped up in fright. It was really funny to see him all scared.
There was a pair, Sarah and Mike. They met at a fitness class. Since they were both single and not looking for a relationship right away, they decided to be fwb. They would cook dinner for each other at their respective places. They had a great time trying out new recipes together. Their friendship grew stronger through this unique bond. When Sarah got a job offer in another city, they parted ways amicably, still having fond memories of their time together.
One fwb success story could be about two friends, Jake and Amy. They decided to be fwb as they both were not ready for a committed relationship. They were honest with each other from the start. They supported each other's careers. Jake was starting his own business and Amy, who worked in marketing, gave him great advice. They also had a lot of fun together, traveling to new places on weekends. Eventually, they parted ways amicably when Jake met someone he wanted to be in a serious relationship with.
Fwb erotic novels often play with the boundaries between friendship and a more sexual relationship. They may include detailed descriptions of the characters' sexual experiences within the context of their friendship. It's a genre that blurs the lines, but it also raises questions about morality and the nature of modern relationships. Since it contains erotic elements, it should be consumed with discretion.
I think FWB relationships can be great. They offer a certain kind of freedom. You get to have the companionship and physical intimacy without the strings of a full - blown relationship. But it also requires a lot of honesty and clear communication.