Hmmmm. I think I DO know where you're coming from. You're a perfectly decent person who's being forced to choose between what I call "alone alone" and an FWB. And I can't conceive that there's anything wrong with an FWB in any way.

There are, however, a lot of people in this world who have semi-puritanical ideas about relationships. For whatever cultural, religious or psychological reasons. It is true that in these days there are many young men who are very, very, VERY suspicious of commitment. And there are, to my knowledge, quite a number of women who are very, very angry at men who have a problem with commitment. So their advice is pretty much to do whatever it takes to make those young men unhappy. Not to give them what they want or are asking for. Not to have a FWB.

I feel differently. And very much so. I'm concerned about YOUR emotional health and well-being. And I'm quite convinced that even a transient relationship is better than none at all, provided, of course, that you're not being beaten, tortured or otherwise taken advantage of.

Kim, if you're reading this post, please don't feel that I'm dumping on you. Your feelings and convictions may well not be what I've described. I'm talking simply about what I know from my experience in being an uncle to seven nieces in constant contact with them.
Me, I've been married for 42 years, since I was 23, to the same lovely lady I fell in love with at that time. I very much hope and pray that you, LovesShelley, have the same experience in the near future. But times are hard now, and it may take a while before you can find your forever true love.

Take care!