Sex on demand without the hassle and pressure of dating -- who could ask for anything more? Having a friend with benefits can be a win-win situation, but when the sexual part of the relationship fizzles, things can get weird. And sometimes, all you want to do is get things back to the way they once were.

It's no easy task, but it can be done. Check out these tips and learn how to go back to being "just friends."
Why Stay Friends?
But first, the all-important question: why should you even want to remain friends with a woman once the sex ends?

Traditional wisdom says it's impossible, or at best, not worth all the effort. And in many situations, that maxim holds true.

But the issue isn't so black and white if the girl in question started out as a close friend to begin with. After all, this is someone you've probably known for some time, have a great time with, and feel comfortable being around. Those types of people are hard to come by, and it makes sense to keep them around whenever possible. So it's usually in both your best interests to try and keep the friendship intact.
Make Sure The Feeling Is Mutual
Before you can go back to being just friends, you have to make sure that she wants the same thing. Be clear about the type of relationship you want with her, and make sure she's on the same page.

Need help figuring out what's going on inside her head? Ask yourself the following questions:

Did she end it? If so, she may be afraid that you're still not over her. But that doesn't mean she's not interested in staying friends -- it just means you need to make it clear to her that you've accepted her decision (if you have).

Did the sex end on bad terms? If it did, she may be too bitter to want to be your friend. Ju
st trust your instincts. If you sense ill will when you call her, give her some space and see if her feelings change with time.

Does she make an effort to stay in touch? This is usually a good sign. Even if she's hesitant to meet up at first, the fact that she's returning your calls suggests that she wants to stay friends.
Don't Lead Her On
Of course, if she's the one who wants to keep things horizontal or move on to a romantic level, you have to be careful not to lead her on in any way. Here are some tips to help ensure that she doesn't get the wrong idea.

Avoid alone time
When you first begin hanging out with her again, do so with a group of common friends. It will help reinforce that you just want to be friends, and it can also make things less awkward.

Don't see her at night and make sure to date other people...


Stick to daytime plans
Meeting at night means she has to think about how the night will end, and that can create expectations.

Date other people...
...and tell her about it. Encourage her to do the same. This will help her realize that you're now turning to someone else for romance and sex. If this is too difficult for either of you, it's probably a sign that you need more time before you can go back to being friends.

Fight the temptation to rekindle the romance
Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself in a situation where you're tempted to "relapse" -- especially if the sex was awesome. If you ever feel like you might give in to temptation, part ways to avoid the inevitable consequences.

Take the necessary time
No one enjoys awkward air, but it's only natural for people to feel a bit uneasy when a sexual relationship stops being sexual. Getting back to being buddy-buddy isn't impossible, but it takes time. Accept that the process cannot be rushed.

Give her space
Be aware that you may be on different timelines. Just because the time may feel right for you to start being friends again, doesn't mean that the time is right for her. Does she make up excuses when you ask to hang out? Does she try to keep your conversations short? Pick up on the hints if she seems like she needs some space, and be willing to give it to her.
Know When To Stop Trying
Sometimes, no matter how much space you give her or how hard you try not to lead her on, a former friend turned lover will never be able to just be your friend again. Ask yourself the following questions and pick up on clues that the friendship can't be salvaged:

Does she still see you as a potential boyfriend? If she talks about how things "could have turned out," this probably means that she still has her sights set on romance, and will never be satisfied with a relationship that's strictly platonic.

Does she get jealous? If she acts possessive when you talk about other women, then this is a problem. Jealousy is usually a sure sign that she still wishes you were more than friends. And if the feeling's not mutual, it's probably best to keep your distance.

Does she resent you? Does she constantly remind you about things you did wrong? If she still harbors feelings of bitterness a few weeks down the road, she probably will forever.
Live And Let Live
Don't beat yourself up if the friendship never moves forward; it happens to the best of us. The most important thing is that you learn to recognize when it's time to move on and meet new people.