Yep, Friends With Benefits Are Happier Than Married Couples

In another finding that proves the adult world is not as black-and-white as we thought (and were taught) it'd be, Psychology Today reported on a study this week that suggested "friends with benefits" are just as satisfied* as those in casual dating relationships, and married couples.

Researchers Carolyn Birnie-Porter and Mitchell Hunt of Saint Mary’s University used a sample of 475 people—they were 25 years old on average, predominantly heterosexual (76%) and white (64%)—to research the "friends with benefits" phenomena that has been around way before these twomovies were released. The results did not differ between men and women, surprisingly.

While individuals in "friends with benefits" relationships reported higher sexual satisfaction than married couples, those engaging in "exclusive dating," or simply, engaged (like, soon-to-be-married), topped the list. So, maybe put a ring on it, but hold off on the actual vows for a while. More bang for your buck... so to speak.

*To note, the study examines sexual satisfaction and not emotional satisfaction, which might explain why your casual relationship with the childhood best friend you've been pining after since Pre-K might generally not be classified as "satisfying." Womp womp.


Michelle No is an editorial assistant at Supercompressor. Adulting is so hard. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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