Do you spend hours swiping on Bumble, trying to find someone who wants a “friends with benefits” relationship just like you?
Starting a FWB relationship on Bumble isn't as easy as you might think. Many users are seeking serious relationships, making it hard to find someone genuinely interested in a no-strings-attached setup.
So, how can you suggest this type of relationship without seeming pushy or creepy?
We've got you covered!
In this article, we'll go over the essential steps to finding FWB on Bumble, along with tips for maintaining one. Let's dive in!
What is a Friends With Benefits (FWB) Relationship?
What exactly does this term mean to begin with?
FWB is an abbreviation for Friends With Benefits - it’s a relationship where two people have sexual encounters without romantically committing to each other.
These relationships emphasize friendship and the both-sided agreement for casual sex. In contrast to traditional dating, FWB relationships aren't meant to include romantic feelings or future expectations.
Before we continue, read our guide and find out how Bumble works!
10 Tips to Find FWB on Bumble
Since friends with benefits are completely different from committed relationships, you’ll need a different approach to develop one.
To help you find your Bumble FWB, we’ve collected the following 11 tips:
#1. Use Attractive Photos
Creating an eye-catching profile is the first step to finding a friends-with-benefits relationship on Bumble.
Your photos are the first thing potential matches will see, so making a good impression is crucial. A well-chosen set of pictures can convey your personality and intentions without saying a word.
Here are some tips:
- Use relaxed, flirty photos that showcase your personality.
- Include a full-body shot as one of your photos.
- Avoid using too many group shots where it's unclear which person you are.
- Show a mix of activities and settings to give a well-rounded view of your lifestyle.
- Opt for high-quality, well-lit images to make your profile stand out and make sure you don’t post blurry photos.
#2. Write a Captivating Bio
A clear and direct bio can help set the right expectations and attract people who are on the same page as you. Being upfront about your intentions saves time and helps avoid misunderstandings.
Remember that your bio is your chance to communicate what you're looking for in a friendly and honest way, making it easier to find like-minded matches who share your interests.
Consider the following suggestions:
- "Looking for fun and no-strings-attached connections."
- "Just here for a good time, not a long time."
- "Let's keep it casual and enjoy the moment."
- "Not looking for anything serious, just some fun times."
- "No quarantine bae hunting, just here to meet cool people."
#3. Don’t Waste Your Time (or Theirs)
Many Bumble users want serious relationships rather than a hookup and aren't interested in casual encounters.
If you are only searching for FWB, do not waste time talking to them. Trust us, you won’t change their mind and will only appear pushy and obnoxious.
Instead, interact with those who express a clear interest in casual, no-strings-attached relationships. That way, you respect both your and their time, making sure that everyone is seeking the same thing.
#4. Recognize Others Looking for FWB
While some users are looking for friends, they usually use Bumble BFF, which will let you filter through them more easily.
So, when looking for people who are open to something casual, pay close attention to the phrasing in their profiles and how they interact with you.
People will usually express openly that they are not searching for anything serious and prefer to keep things casual and low commitment. Their biographies may include phrases such as "no quarantine bae hunting," "just here for a good time," or express a desire for a friends-with-benefits relationship.
While you chat, seek signals that they prefer flirting and becoming physical over committing to traditional dating.
Those seeking casual connections may swiftly shift conversations to a sexual tone. Someone may bluntly say they are not into commitment and are only looking for a physical relationship.
Others may be more subtle, providing brief comments with little depth and avoiding sharing too many personal details. If they refuse to discuss going on proper dates or engaging in romantic activities, it may signal that they see you rather as a hookup.
#5. Make the First Step
Sending the initial message may make you a bit anxious, but remember that it's your opportunity to make a good first impression.
Keep it basic and friendly. The ideal strategy is to begin with a casual greeting and mention something in their profile that piqued your interest.
Avoid using basic greetings such as "Hey" or "What's up?" Instead of that, try asking an open-ended question or making a lighthearted joke to start a conversation.
Remember, the idea is to break the ice and initiate a conversation that is natural and engaging.
#6. Improve Your Texting Game
A lot of people on dating apps are trying to hook up.
Having said that, don't be afraid to flirt. Since you two are looking for the same thing, it would be beneficial to spice up your talk.
Don't be too flirtatious, though; you should know how to talk to your match on Bumble. Excessive use of flirty banter can have the opposite effect of what is intended.
Just give your match a compliment for something about their personality or appearance that you find appealing. Keep in mind that it's important to keep the conversation with your match going.
#7. Be Honest
After you establish a connection with your match, make sure to clearly communicate what you are looking for.
This is the topic that should be brought up early in your conversation so you avoid miscommunication.
Remember, you want to ensure that both of you are on the same page. That way, you’ll prevent your and your match’s potential disappointment.
#8. Move to Another Platform
After having an initial conversation on Bumble, you might want to switch to a different texting platform.
Social media profiles, WhatsApp, or even regular texting offer more options while also making communication more intimate.
The fact that your match is comfortable with sharing their social media profiles or phone numbers with you might be a good indicator they are ready to take things a step further.
Furthermore, Bumble matches may sometimes disappear, so having a conversation on a different platform might be a more reliable option.
#9. Set Your Expectations and Boundaries Clearly
By setting your expectations and boundaries from the start, you will prevent future misunderstandings or hurt feelings later.
These are the topics you should cover before entering into an FWB relationship:
- Are you allowed to date or sleep with other people?
- To what level will you interact or socialize in public?
- Are you two going to spend time together outside of meetups for sex or physical intimacy (and if yes, how much)?
- What are your privacy expectations and limits when it comes to sharing intimate details with others?
- Are you going to meet each other’s friends and hang out with them, or are you sticking to one-on-one meetings?
One more important aspect to consider in a FWB is the impact this relationship might have on other areas of life. You should think about how engaging in a casual sexual relationship may affect your emotions and overall well-being.
#10. Set up a Date
The goal of chatting is, after all, meeting up in person.
When you feel it’s the right moment, invite them out. Keep in mind that this is the point when they should already know you’re looking for something casual and aren't into serious dating.
To clarify this, don’t suggest dates that are too romantic, like a picnic or a romantic dinner. Casual bars, parties or coffee places are an ideal setting for getting to know your FWB without making it too intimate.
But, before you go out on an actual date, make sure that the person you’re talking to is real. Take a look at our article and learn how to spot fake Bumble profiles!
#11. Act Calm and Cool
When you eventually get together, it's crucial to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Stay casual and don't treat your date as a romantic one.
It's important to stay authentic and honest. Avoid deep or emotional conversations that could feel too intimate. Instead, keep the conversation light and focused on simple things.
Additionally, don't send conflicting messages with romantic gestures like planning romantic activities or providing gifts.
Are you looking for someone specific? Check out these stealthy ways to find someone on Bumble!
4 Rules of Friends with Benefits
Friends-with-benefits relationships sometimes get hard to balance. To ensure that things go smoothly and enjoyable, there are several essential rules to keep in mind.
#1. Always Show Respect
If you choose to be FWB with someone, you should always respect their boundaries, regardless of what you have or have not agreed upon previously.
Show that you value their time by arriving on time for meetings.
Besides that, always be discreet while discussing your FWB connection with other people; their privacy matters as much as yours.
Finally, be sure to communicate with them clearly and honor their wishes. Don't be pushy or rude if they had previously consented to an FWB but have since decided it isn't working for them.
#2. Safety Comes First
Even if the whole idea of FWB is to have some carefree fun, you still need to be cautious and maintain good hygiene.
Never forget how important it is to practice safe sex in every relationship. That way, you're taking care of both your and your FWB's well-being.
You still have to be accountable for your FWB even if the relationship isn't committed, so make sure you're both clean, healthy and protected before becoming close.
#3. Keep Your Communication Clear
Make sure you're both on the same page by checking in with each other regularly.
It's crucial to have an honest conversation about everything that changes, including new feelings or adjustments to the situation.
To ensure that there are no unspoken grudges or hidden frustrations and that both parties continue to enjoy the FWB arrangement, clear communication helps manage expectations and prevent problems.
#4. Forget about Jealousy
The whole idea behind friends with benefits is that you can have close relationships in addition to friendships.
Keep in mind that neither of you is dedicated to a relationship or the other. This implies that you can engage in other activities, socialize, and have as much free time and space as you like.
That being said, don't be disrespectful to your FWB if you discover that they are unable or unwilling to spend more time with you.
Additionally, you need to make sure you aren't jealous if they start seeing someone else. A FWB becomes complex when emotions and feelings enter the scene, and jealousy is a sign that you aren't emotionally detached.
Are you travelling soon? Use Bumble Travel Mode and set up dates before you arrive at your destination.
When Should You End a FWB Relationship
If one of you begins to have deeper sentiments and desires than merely a casual arrangement, it might be a sign that your FWB relationship should cease. Additionally, if feelings of jealousy or possessiveness start to show, that's a clear indicator that the boundaries you've previously set are being crossed.
Another red flag is the loss of physical attraction or if the interactions begin to feel more like chores than pleasure.
Furthermore, big life changes that indicate it's time to move on can include beginning a committed relationship with someone.
Always keep in mind that honest and open communication is crucial; neither party should be afraid to bring up any changes in circumstances or feelings. Getting out of an FWB relationship on good terms guarantees that you may both move on without animosity or unsolved misunderstandings.
If you ever wanted to take a screenshot of someone’s profile but didn’t because you weren’t sure if Bumble notifies about screenshots, read our article!
Final Thoughts
Even though FWB relationships can be rewarding and pleasurable, they also call for constant communication, mutual respect, and an acceptance that things might alter over time. Always be committed to mutual satisfaction and keep an open mind when approaching FWB arrangements on Bumble.
It's also crucial to keep in mind that not everyone is suited for FWB relationships. You should both consider the advantages and disadvantages before you decide whether this kind of arrangement fits with your needs and personal values.
