8 Signs Your Recently Single Friend Might Just Need a Friend With Benefits (Not a Relationship)

Let’s talk about her.

You know the one — your bestie who just crawled out of a relationship with that emotionally draining, low-key controlling ex. He had opinions about everything from what she wore to who she followed on Instagram. The guy who chipped away at her confidence while pretending to love her. Yeah. Him.

Now she’s "ready to fall in love again" — like, immediately.

But here's the thing: she’s not looking for love.She’s looking for relief.And maybe... she doesn’t need a new relationship.Maybe what she really needs is a no-strings-attached, hot, respectful, drama-free friend with benefits.

Too real? Maybe. But if any of these signs hit home, it might be time to lovingly suggest that what she’s craving isn’t commitment — it’s comfort, validation, healing, and yeah... a good time.

1. She Says She’s “Ready” — But She’s Still Talking About Her Ex

If her new Tinder date says one thing remotely similar to her ex and she spirals, sis isn’t ready for a boyfriend — she’s still mentally trapped in her last one. FWB status doesn’t require emotional unpacking, and honestly? That might be exactly what she needs right now.

2. She Wants Romance — But Has Zero Patience for Vulnerability

One minute she’s fantasizing about love letters and weekend getaways, the next she’s ghosting someone because they opened up too soon. Real relationships require emotional labor, and she just came out of an exhausting one. Give her permission to want physical intimacy without the emotional bandwidth.

3. She's Still Rebuilding Her Confidence

That last guy? He dimmed her light. Now she’s trying on outfits just to feel hot again. If her glow-up is less about attracting “The One” and more about reclaiming her power — good. But maybe what she really needs is someone who reminds her she’s desirable, not someone asking to meet her parents.

4. She’s Using Dating Apps Like a Game of Distraction

Let’s be honest: swiping right while crying in a bathrobe is not the love story she thinks it is. She's not dating — she’s dodging. A casual FWB situation might actually provide her with a safe space to reconnect with her body, her confidence, and her ability to feel good without the pressure of performing “perfect girlfriend” again.

5. She’s Scared of Being Alone — But Also Doesn’t Want Anyone Too Close

She wants someone to cuddle with on Friday but low-key wants them gone by Saturday morning. This screams emotional decompression zone, not soulmate search.

6. She’s Rushing Into Something Just to Prove She’s Over Him

And girl, we’ve all been there. Posting thirst traps, going on back-to-back dates, acting unbothered — it's a performance. A little passion without the pressure? Might be what she needs to remember that she's not defined by who hurt her.

7. She Keeps Saying “I Don’t Want Another Toxic Relationship” — But Attracts Guys Who Want More Than She Can Give

Here’s the danger: she’ll accidentally hurt a genuinely good guy by pretending she’s ready when she’s not. That’s where a respectful, boundary-honoring FWB could be a much more honest situation. No hearts broken. Just clarity, consent, and fun.

8. She Lights Up When She Talks About Sex — But Shuts Down When You Say "Love"

If the idea of love makes her anxious but the idea of getting laid lights her up like a Christmas tree? That’s your sign. She doesn’t need another relationship to fix her heart — she needs to feel good in her skin again.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting love. But there’s also nothing wrong with admitting you just want connection — physical, safe, uncomplicated — while you put your emotional world back together.

So if your recently single friend is running full speed toward something she’s not emotionally ready for, maybe don’t try to stop her — just help her pivot. Help her reclaim agency, pleasure, confidence — without pretending she’s ready for forever.

And remind her:

Healing doesn’t always look like love. Sometimes, it just looks like choosing what feels good — without the emotional hangover.

Love Rubie xoxo