Platonic With Benefits (PWB)
Platonic with benefits (PWB) describes a friendship that includes physical intimacy or affection beyond what is traditionally associated with platonic relationships, without the expectation of romance or a committed romantic relationship.
The term is a variation of friends with benefits, but its meaning can differ. For some people, the benefits are nonsexual and might include cuddling, kissing, massages, or sleeping in the same bed. These activities provide physical closeness and companionship without the expectation of romance or sex.
Others use platonic with benefits to describe friends who engage in sexual activity but don't have romantic feelings for one another. In these relationships, the underlying friendship remains emotionally platonic, while sexual activities are treated as casual, mutually enjoyable experiences or favors between friends.
The term isn't formally defined, and its meaning depends on how the people involved understand and use it. Because the boundaries between platonic, romantic, sensual, and sexual intimacy can differ from person to person, communication about what the "benefits" include is important.
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