The main topic of this master thesis is the experience of
partners in friends with benefits (FWB) relationships,
specifically their experience with communication on setting
rules in this relationship. FWB is defined as a relationship
between friends which includes also sexual activity. Also,
partners in this relationship do not consider it as a romantic
relationship. In the introduction there are present research
findings about FWB, especially about communication, rules,
expectations and connection with emerging adulthood. Earlier
research focused mainly on whether such communication takes
place in FWB, but not how partners communicate about these
rules. Research sample includes five people between ages 18 and
26 who have at least one experience with FWB. As a main
research method was chosen semi-structured interview and data
was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Six topics were found: Motives of starting FWB relationship,
Expectations, I do not want to talk about it, Open versus
avoidant communication, The bubble of happiness and What will
be next? The interpretation, limits and recommendations for
future research are mentioned in discussion.