DEAR ABBY: I recently started a new job, and the past three months have been wonderful! One co-worker in particular has contributed to that. He's a tall, handsome man with a great personality. We get along wonderfully, socialize outside of work, and we flirt ... a lot. We have briefly talked about being friends with benefits, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I have never been FWB with anyone before, and I am very nervous about the possible downside.
I am very attracted to this co-worker, but I also consider him a great friend who could potentially someday be even more than a friend. I am scared that being FWBs would ruin our friendship and any possible future we may have. Should I accept being an FWB and enjoy it while it lasts, or decline and explain to him why? -- FRIENDS WITHOUT BENEFITS IN VIRGINIA
DEAR FRIENDS: If I were you, I'd enjoy the flirtation for as long as it lasts and pass on being his FWB.
While "friends with benefits" may seem enticing, what it really stands for is "sex without commitment or responsibility," and in the majority of instances it leads to -- nothing. Couple that with the fact that if you do, and someone else attracts his attention, you will not only have to cope with hurt feelings, but also the embarrassment of still having to work with him. So start thinking with your head, and don't do anything you might later regret.