Friends with benefits are like condoms: convenient to have around, but easily broken and are later thrown away.

It is more acceptable to partake in nonromantic and noncommittal relationships than ever before, according to Peggy Giordano, a sociology professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, who studies the sexual behavioral patterns of
young adults.

In a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior journal, 66 percent of
participants revealed they have engaged in a FWB relationship. The study revealed that the main advantage of these unconventional unions is the lack of commitment (59.7 percent) and having intercourse (55.6 percent).

When the romance is sans the wine and dining, the expectations for fidelity is forgone.
This is where conflict breeds. Approximately half of the students admitted to having bouts
of uncertainty while FWB, however nearly three-fourths said ground rules and
expectations were never discussed. Of the related stresses, 65.3 percent reported anxiety
over developing feelings and 28.2 percent worried they would ruin the preexisting
friendship.

By exercising total honesty and straightforwardness, these issues could work in
your favor and help you and your partner maintain the friendship that came to be FWB. Be
honest about any other sexual partners you have and anyone you are seeing, as
these can be points of contention. Be up front about your expectations and make ground
rules if needed.

An advantage of having a trusted sexual partner is the ability to explore your
sexuality, fantasies and desires, without being judged or left with the empty feeling after a
one-night stand.

Take comfort and guilty pleasure in knowing your lover so well. Not only
will conversations about contraception, fidelity and needs come easier, but they’re more
likely to understand and cater to your needs and wants.

This type of honesty and open conversation will strengthen your relationship and friendship in the long run.

Try new things and incite your frisky side. Have your partner tie you up in some light bondage with inexpensive nylon rope or a silky tie. Try the police officer role-play you have been dying to do. Buy a whip or paddle and show your good friend who really is boss.

Do the deed in some unexpected places.

Being FWB is about seizing the moment and taking control of your cravings. Explore new boundaries together within the confines of your relationship; after all, many would argue you have the best of both worlds — dessert without the extra hassles.

Try out a yoga class. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, male and female partners who actively take yoga classes and embrace the Zen lifestyle have more satisfying sex lives.

Not only will the downward-facing dog be a lusty addition to the romp, but poses like it induce a sense of mindfulness and concentration. This contentiousness or centered state of mind will help increase your chances of climaxing.

Doing yoga will help you relax and give you the ability to be harmonious and able to concentrate on simply making whoopee, instead of worrying about other menacing facets of life. Even changing the pattern of your breathing during intercourse to a more Zen-esque notion can bring big change. Try taking deep, fast and even forceful breaths through your nose during foreplay to accentuate a breath of desire you have not witnessed yet. If your partner is not too concerned with it sounding like you are mutually hyperventilating, incorporate their breathing for a tantric climax together. This is the first building block to incorporating Kama Sutra type practices into your romps.

To increase your flexibility, try sitting down on the floor with your feet together. Press your hands on your ankles and allow your knees to relax to the floor while you lean forward. This will open, stretch and strengthen your pelvic muscles for a wider range motion and control during positions such as missionary.

Simple exercises such as this will allow you and your partner to breathe, sweat and move together in tandem bliss. Embrace this mutual exploration. Sexual satisfaction comes from trying new things and inciting new desire.

The Rec Center offers yoga classes 16 times a week at various times throughout the day for men and women. The classes last for 50 minutes and often include poses such as the Fab Five. Traditionally, Fab Five uses Pilates poses to help build lean muscle, stamina, flexibility and greater toning of the muscles.

One minute you are white water rafting in the seas of lust and the next, you hit Sahara desert status. You and your partner are head deep in hot, sweat-induced euphoria and want to seal the deal, what do you grab? If it is not lust by the reigns, you will (hopefully) grab some type of personal lubricant. However, with a market full of different flavors, sensations, compositions, brands and objectives, who really knows what bottle of water works you can turn to?

Easy. No, you’re not easy, but the decision can be just as.

First, pick a composition. Personal lubrication is made from water, oil, silicone or petroleum-based products.

Oil and petroleum-based lubricants can cause latex condoms to deteriorate before due time, or even worse, during your mattress sesh. These types of lube are long-lasting and perfect for shower sex. Oil-based lubes can also double for great massage oils. For feisty foreplay, try a new one from KY’s Yours and Mine Kissable Sensations.

Silicone-based lubricants can often feel sticky to the touch, be difficult to wash off your skin and stain your sheets. It will, however, leave your body feeling extra smooth and is an option for the long-term riders. Try Wet Platinum, which boasts of being the highest-grade silicone, non-drying and moisturizing. If you or your partner is into dressing in latex or leather, this silicone solution will even buff and polish these fabrics.

If you want a composition that will slide you into home base every time without irritation, stained sheets or stickiness, always opt for a water-based solution. Remember if your slippery solution is not water soluble, washing away the excess and lingering bacteria can be more difficult. Steer clear of any water-based solutions that contain glycerin, a sweet-tasting lipid found in some lubes, as these sugars can cause a yeast infection. Try Astroglide Natural, which is infused with xylitol (a naturally occurring sugar derived from corn that increases white blood cell count to fight bacteria), aloe vera, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and chamomile. This formula is glycerin, alcohol and fragrance free and will feel as natural as the birds and bees.

They always say three is a crowd, but it is also a party. One could assume the same could only apply for the ménage à trois, right?

Although a tantalizing threesome in bed tops many men’s fantasies, the communication culminating to the romp is key. Communication before this tremendous trifecta is important for all parties involved, even if there is not an established couple involved. Laying down the rules, or the do’s and don’t, can prevent this session from going limp or feelings of jealousy, insecurity or guilt from erecting. Trusting your partners is key. Let them know your limits and desired outcomes. For some couples, it is common to feel uncomfortable allowing someone else to kiss, orally pleasure or penetrate their partner. If this is the case, everyone must respect the rules for success. Once communication is established, the lovers involved can better navigate through the sea of lust without sinking ship.

It is easy to concentrate most of your time on the most desired partner (or significant other), but this is a mistake to avoid. Your partners want to please each other just as much as they want to please you, so be generous. Set aside romantic feelings and keep your hands, mouth and whatever available/willing orifices busy at all times. The addition will change the dynamics of sex, so it’s key to look at this love pile as a cycle that comes full circle.

As lovers, we are inclined to want to pay as much attention to whomever we are currently laying, but stay focused on pleasing both partners at once. If you are busy receiving, make sure you are actively giving in some form. The extra stimulation could lead to early results.

Drinking your way into bravery is not suggested. Not only will you be overwhelmed with the extra two legs, arms and other erotic areas, but quality intercourse does not happen after ten shots of Jose Cuervo. Have a few drinks to loosen up, but keep it minimal, you do not want this potentially exciting experience to end without your inhibitions in tact. Also, nothing is less salacious than holding someone’s hair on the bathroom floor after a failed group ride.

Stay open-minded to the experience. This might seem obvious to someone who is experimental or curious enough to conquer this endeavor, though, allowing yourself to enjoy sensations you might not have enjoyed before will broaden your sexual identity.