Ask Miss Emily - http://www.askmissemily.com
Now Longer Wants Friends With Benefits Status
http://www.askmissemily.com/articles/929/1/Now-Longer-Wants-Friends-With-Benefits-Status/Page1.html
By Miss Emily
Published on 06/23/2010
 

Dear Miss Emily:
So recently I started a awkward "friends with benefits/Pseudo-Dating" situation with an ex. We talk, cuddle, have sex and spend time together whenever we can (Around VERY hectic work schedules) but we don't have an exclusive relationship with titles (BF/GF) and I've realized I still have feelings for her. I'm horribly confused in this situation and after talking with her friends...So is she. I want to have an exclusive relationship but when I asked recently if she wanted to take that step she says she needs time to think about it. Our relationship originally ended with us taking a break and me dating her friend (Out of spite honestly...Not my proudest moment) so I understand that she's guarding her feelings but I don't know how to show her how I feel. I plan on cooking her dinner next time we meet and showing her how I feel next time we meet but Is that too much right now? I REALLY want to fix this and try again.

-------------------------------------Miss Emily's advice-----------------------------


I see no reason to push it. I understand that the FWB relationship is often misguided. Operating under its umbrella is, for some, nothing more than an agreement to forgo any commitment -- even if the two people care a great deal for each other. But, because of your past with her, I'd take the urgency out of it and let it flow into something more meaningful. If you push this, it can backfire because time is what you need to get it right. Now there's no assurance that this will do the trick, but patience is a virtue in this case. A nice dinner prepared by you shows your talents, if you are a good cook. But make it casual, don't trip over your feet trying to put a cloth napkin in her lap -- and avoid candlelight on this one. Right now -- keep it casual, fun and relaxed. If, in a reasonable amount of time, she still doesn't want to get more involved -- it might be wise to ditch the FWB relationship, because it will only break your heart.