Fear of social judgment is an important factor that can influence individuals' decisions to enter into Friends-With-Benefits (FWB) arrangements. This is because FWB relationships are often perceived as more casual and less serious than traditional dating relationships. As such, there may be greater societal pressure on people who engage in them to conform to certain norms and expectations regarding how they present themselves publicly. In addition, some individuals may feel that entering into FWB relationships will make it more difficult for them to find committed romantic partners later on due to stigma associated with promiscuity. For men and women, these factors may play out differently depending on their gender roles within society.
Men and women may experience different levels of fear when considering entering into an FWB relationship due to societal expectations about appropriate behavior for each gender. Men are often expected to pursue sexual encounters without emotional commitment while women are expected to prioritize emotional intimacy over physical intimacy. Therefore, if men enter into FWB relationships they may face criticism or negative judgments from others about their masculinity or sexual prowess. On the other hand, women may face similar judgments but also be seen as being "easy" or unworthy of a long-term relationship. These fears can lead both genders to refrain from entering into FWB relationships even if they would like to have one.
In contrast, some research suggests that both genders may be equally likely to engage in FWB arrangements if they do not view them as threatening to their identity or self-image. This could be due to the fact that many people believe that FWB arrangements allow for greater flexibility and less commitment than traditional dating relationships. Additionally, there is evidence that FWB arrangements may actually reduce feelings of anxiety about future relationships by allowing individuals to explore casual sex without worrying about becoming emotionally attached. In this way, both men and women who feel comfortable with their identities may choose to engage in FWB relationships without fear of social judgment.
Overall, fear of social judgment appears to play a significant role in how men and women approach potential Friends-With-Benefits partnerships. However, it is important to note that these fears should not necessarily prevent individuals from exploring their desires and seeking out fulfilling relationships. With proper communication and understanding between partners, FWB relationships can provide mutually beneficial experiences without compromising personal identity or emotional wellbeing.