#RelationshipTrends

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 recent psychological study has uncovered a compelling pattern: older women who date younger men report notably higher levels of sexual satisfaction compared to their peers who date men their own age or older, according to new research highlighted in PsyPost. This finding offers fresh insight into the complex dynamics of age-gap relationships and challenges enduring cultural stereotypes about women, aging, and desire—a matter of increasing relevance as shifting social attitudes in Thailand foster more openness around romance and sexuality.