Friends With Intimacy: Balancing Boundaries, Emotions & Connection

What happens when friendship and intimacy collide? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we’re exploring the nuanced dynamics of friends with benefits (FWB) and friends with intimacy (FWI). But what happens when emotions sneak in, boundaries blur, or feelings start to change?

We’ll discuss:

👬Defining FWB vs. FWI: What they mean, how they’re different from dating or hookups, and what these relationships can look like.
👬Boundaries: Essential skills like self-awareness, clear communication, and regular check-ins to keep things respectful and drama-free.
👬The pros and cons: Why FWB might work for some and not for others, depending on emotional needs, communication skills, and personal priorities.

As always, we’ll be sharing our personal experiences—yes, even the times it didn’t go as planned. Whether you're navigating an FWB situation or just curious about relational dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build connection structures that work for you.

Today's Hosts:
◾Matt Landsiedel
Website - www.mattlandsiedel.com/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/inspiredtobeauthentic/

◾Michael Diiorio
Website - www.wellismo.com/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/wellismo_coach/

◾Reno Johnston
Website - www.itjustgotreno.com/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/itjustgotreno/

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ℹ️ ABOUT: Gay Men Going Deeper is a podcast and YouTube channel about personal development, mental health and sexuality.

HOSTS:
MATT LANDSIEDEL - www.mattlandsiedel.com/
MICHAEL DIIORIO - www.wellismo.com/
RENO JOHNSTON - itjustgotreno.com/

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GAY MEN'S BROTHERHOOD:
This is a conscious community for gay men to connect with each other on the journey of healing from shame and becoming more authentic and aligned to their truth. We aim to offer inspiration, support, connection, healing, and a safe space to show up just as you are. Our vision for the members is to learn to feel more comfortable showing up vulnerably so deeper intimacy can be established in our community. We dream of a gay community where everyone can feel more connected to one another in more ways than just superficial and we can feel less lonely and have deeper connections to one another.

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00:00:00 Introduction
00:06:09 Experience with Either Friends with Benefits or Friends with Intimacy
00:12:12 What Does Benefits Mean in Friends with Benefits?
00:17:49 Distinction Between FWB and FWI
00:27:09 Stretching the Definition of Friends with Intimacy
00:36:15 How Do You Maintain Boundaries with Friends You Have Benefits or Intimacy with?
00:51:56 What are the Advantages/Disadvantages of Having Intimacy with Friends?
00:59:11 In FWI, are You Assuming that They're Still Seeing/Dating Other People?
01:01:52