It’s complicated, yet attainable. It takes a special type of person and can only be done if agreements are set prior to engaging in this activity. Having someone to share that special bond with is much easier to go through than actually starting up any kind of serious relationship.

A friend with benefits has been an idea swirled around throughout our time that seems to be working time and time again. So many people are scared of the consequences and what might arise, but I am here to tell you that if done correctly, this might be the easiest relationship you’ll go through.

Now take in mind that not everyone can do something like this. There has to be a mutual agreement in the beginning, so one or the other doesn’t catch feelings. If both parties have that understanding, then satisfaction can be just a phone call away. “It’s a good agreement if you don’t get too involved,” said senior anthropology major, Dave Norton.

It is very rare that mutual romantic feelings may develop and when this does happen, it turns into much more than a rough agreement to satisfy the other person’s physical needs; it becomes a real relationship, something neither one was looking for.

Why would friends with benefits work? You build on a strong foundation of friendship and understanding that’s already there and that’s why it can’t fail. The set arrangements are done and can only be compromised if one party fails to comply with the rules. The hard part about friends with benefits is that they will usually end up falling for each other.

That’s why you set those agreements, so there’s no confusion later when its 3 a.m. and he or she is knocking at your door. So if you like someone and are not sure if you want to start up a monogamous relationship with him or her, then friends with benefits is the way to go.

The buddy is better because you are already friends and you’re building off something that’s already there. You have an established relationship where you can trust the other person. You know what they’ve done, where they’ve done it and who they’ve done it with. The entire surprise element is thrown out the window.

Don’t get it confused with casual sex. Casual sex is where you strictly have someone for the purpose of meeting each other’s physical needs, where with friends with benefits you have that availability, yet the friendship is still intact. Basically, you get the buddy and the booty.

Not all people are content with the whole factor of just being friends. Many people are scared of getting attached, destroying the friendship or just having the awkwardness.

“No, no, no, no! You have to separate the friendship and what you’re doing,” said undeclared sophomore Tasia Foster. “It’s a bad idea if you don’t know what you are getting into.”

Using each other in a good, positive way removes all the emotional baggage from sex due to the fact that the agreements and limitations were set in the beginning. One way to mess up your arrangement is by getting into it hoping for more to develop, because if the other party doesn’t feel this way you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Honesty is key to making this entire operation pan out into something that is beneficial for both of you.

Another important factor is to keep it discreet. Even if you are completely comfortable with what you are doing and confident that you both want the same thing, keep it classy and between both parties. If you have that understanding, a simple, quiet phone call Friday night is all that’s necessary. But remember, you don’t owe each other anything. That’s the whole point of being friends with benefits.

It’s convenient, comfortable and there are no strings attached. It’s sex without the title. Having the buddy and the booty is the best approach if you aren’t looking to get seriously involved with a friend and are mutually looking for the same thing. Just remember to know what you are doing and what you are getting yourself into. It can be rewarding if both parties are clear it’s only sex. Otherwise, it’s a dangerous proposition.

Rosa Pastran can be reached at [email protected]