#ModernRelationships

The notion of being “just friends” — with occasional intimacy on the side — often carries the promise of romantic freedom, pleasurable companionship, and zero-commitment fun. However, the latest research and expert commentary suggest that these so-called “friends with benefits” (FWB) arrangements rarely remain consequence-free. While such relationships are increasingly commonplace among young adults worldwide, and even perceived as safer or more convenient than casual hook-ups with strangers, scientists and therapists warn that they are emotionally fraught and can leave a lasting mark on the people involved.

A new wave of research and cultural critique is challenging longstanding beliefs about heterosexual relationships, revealing why many women are left emotionally exhausted by dating men—while also highlighting how women worldwide, including in Thailand, are crafting new rules designed to protect their well-being and assert their needs in the search for love. Leading this transformation is the concept of “heterofatalism,” a term gaining currency in academic circles and popular media alike, which describes the resigned belief that dating men will be emotionally unfulfilling—even as many women continue to pursue these relationships.