Real Talk: Is It Ever a Good Idea to Have Sex With a Friend?

Is It Right for You? Depending on the context, casual sex may be celebrated, relished, derided, envied, or stigmatized. Some people consider the activity in a serious way, evaluating all the possible ramifications emotionally and physically along with the potential benefits and drawbacks when thinking about having casual sex. Others take the idea of casual sex, well, a bit more casually. That said, many people have strong opinions about whether or not it's a good idea, although these attitudes tend to shift as life circumstances—and relationship statuses —change. However, whether you're inclined to go with the flow or to consider the topic down to the nitty-gritty, it can be helpful to take a look at the cultural context and potential mental health effects both positive and negative that casual sex can have when deciding if it's right for you. What Is Casual Sex?

All item on this page was elect by an ELLE editor. We can earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Appeal it a sex buddy, friend along with benefits, or booty call: In a perfect world, it's no-strings sex. Although it's rarely that easy.

We may earn commission from the acquaintance on this page. Not all adore entanglements end like Monica and Chandler. Dec 20, NBC Friendships add accordingly much spark to our lives—helping us find humor and possibility in spells of misfortune, and cheering us arrange in stretches of celebration and alteration. We swap stories over meals, after that fill moments in time with amusement and like-mindedness—adding to the family we may or may not have. Accordingly what happens when you find by hand attracted to one of your confidantes. Will having sex with your acquaintance ruin the relationship you built? A few might say that casual lovemaking along with someone familiar provides a safe sexual outlet, while granting both parties the ability to live freely and free.