The Puppeteer Known As "Love"

Also known as "friends with benefits," "no strings attached," and "hook-up buddies" (the last one being euphemistically altered to prevent offending any sensitive readers), this type of relationship between two individuals-- one that allows those involved to enjoy the physical aspect of being together without the emotional package-- has been a puzzling paradox for... well, I assume for a long time. Or at least since the beginning of monogamous relationships.

Now add alcohol to the mix, and we have ourselves a cliche recipe for disaster.

Even though we've been told over and over again about the difficulties of separating the physical from the emotional, is it really a problem for everyone? Do men find it easier than women, or does Ashton Kutcher accurately represent the inner turmoil males experience when trying to execute the perfect relationship with no strings attached?

Countless friends of mine have found themselves stuck in a situation where they, or their Beneficial Friend, has grown attached and suddenly wants to see their beloved during the light of day. And as someone who has repeatedly failed in this arena, I wonder if there's any real way to achieve this mythical balance (some tend to frown upon my campaign for Strangers With Benefits).

Though we tend to place the blame on the alcohol, maybe we should be cautious about allowing booze to be a crutch for our actions. Perhaps trying to find solutions to the problem, rather than eliminating the issue at hand, only perpetuates the drama...

But judging from an article in the New York Times, featuring a study on FWB, it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.