I know how you are feeling,I have bad urges too but feel like if you go with the option of friend with benefits the other person might expect more then what you are really ready for.You will just have to choose your friend wisely.

I felt I needed something but certainly didn't want any kind of relationship and did not want to bring anyone else into the mix either. Eventually I decided to have a completely anonymous thing with someone on Craigslist.

I'd never done anything like that before - in fact I've never had a one night stand before even. I don't want to make it a repeat thing, but I have to say that one time did me some good. Just the fact that someone was wanting to have sex with me did me a world of good. The fact that it was anonymous means I'm not worried about feelings getting hurt.

Before that, I had a lot of negative thoughts about being alone for the rest of my life. Just the fact that one person found me desirable even after my failed marriage felt great.

I don't say this is the right move for everyone. For some reason it helped me at that point in my journey. I should mention this isn't something I'm proud of by any means. I haven't told even my closest friends about it. But I guess my point here is really that at least I don't have to work at keeping it hidden since there's no reason I'd ever have contact with her again.

I think FWB is perfectly fine as long as the people involved understand the parameters.

Get a dog....or go cuddle one......it can help...

With regard to fwb....just make sure the boundaries are clear and appropriate. I've had for for 9 years. I'm grateful for it, I'm also very clear on the parameters...

Some of my friends attempt to replicate it, because itwworks well for me....but then they want to have dinner with him, go out with him, spend a lot of time with him etc....and that where it all goes wrong. You need clear, mutually agreed rules....and you both need to stick to them.

sex does not necessarily means its love and love does not necessary means sex. sex should not be used to create a connection but it should be done only after once connection is established. this light relationship you are talkng about will likely have consequneces later in the future when you do enter into true deep/heavy relationship later in life.
Such possible consequences can be... in typical economy terms, if there is large in quantity, the demand falls...If you sleep around frequently especially in long period of time, your perspective and value towards such activity will drop. you will appreciate it less even though you do it with someone you truly have feelings for later in the future. ppl can get addicted to sex. some even say the power of addiction is stronger than drug. (you know when ppl become addicted to something/anything, they are no longer in the driver seat of their own life, hence their life become unmanageable, they are prone to making mistakes, pick wrong path for themselves etc...).
if you do this on long term basis, i think not only you will make your feelings numb towards such activity, but also you will start to take it lightly (as nothing serious, just fun) and imagine this possible attitude when you do enter into serious relationship later in the future. it just won't be same becasue it will have some effect on your attitude which then will effect yout future relatioship with other ppl. Also, like other ppl have said, that other person in the light relationship may want more than just light but also that could go same for you too. if you do it with someone that you do not have feelings for, wouldnt that somewhat mess up your head ?
Also, you said you crave physical human contact, but is it worth the craving, worth desiring it, if there is no meaning, no depth nor connection with other person in the first place ?
don't just try to feel love, warmth of other ppl through physical activity. try to feel it with your heart. like when random stranger show kindess to other, when your friends or family shows care and consideration, their supportive words and encouragement should make you feel all warm and tender inside.

I am in the same boat in terms of need. I need physical contact. After the 2 year audition my stbxh put on, we went from being intimate twice a week to once every 4-7 months for the next 3 years. (Total Red Flag ignored: He told me once that he was only intimate with his former wife twice a year or so when they were married. I thought we would be different. Ha!)

He always acted as though he liked, and always responded to, my high level of affection. Little touches in passing, hand holding, kisses hello, goodbye, in passing, good night, hugs. When he ended the marriage he told me that he didn't like how affectionate I was. I shouldn't take it personally and in my head I know he doesn't deserve any of it, being the liar and emotionally unavailable douchebag that he is, but still in my heart I feel that I was wrong somehow. I feel like an overexcited puppy that's been whacked on the nose with a newspaper.

He withdrew from me ages ago. It's been many many months without any physical affection aside from hugs and smooches to my son. I feel like I'm slowly dying inside.

My problem is that I can't do casual. I'm hyper loyal - never even looked at another man for the years I was with my husband. I still look at intimacy as something that I would only share with him. I don't want him, having learned so much about him recently, and it will never ever happen between us, because he has been with others since our separation. The fact is, I still don't think of other men in terms of intimacy and affection. But it doesn't mean I don't need it or miss it keenly.

I think I'm doomed to feel like this until the distant day when I am ready and find a new relationship.

It sucks.

I have a dog. I'm not really a dog person. We got this dog together, and I'm stuck with him. He at least listens when I talk to him. Doesn't give great advice. And attempts French kissing me any chance he gets. Doesn't really feel the void. But thanks for the advice.

I had a pulmonary embolism 6 months ago, do to birth control, so am now BC free for life. Hoping hormones will level out soon. Exercising a lot does help.

Oh jeniozi, I totally relate with you about the BC thing! I was a hormone raging monster on BC. I've been BC free for over 2 years and I feel so levelheaded and clear. I'm sorry about your health condition. Even though your dog doesn't give great advice, he sure is a cutie (if that is him in your profile pic).

Like notenoughcoffee, I'm super loyal, so I found the FWB thing to be something I really couldn't get into. When I was married, I didn't feel right to look at other men or even talk about how attractive another man was. I don't think you're wrong for wanting some physical comfort, so just do what feels right for you. Stay safe!

Jen - If you don't want the dog the. Why do you have him? Would the dog be better off with your ex?? Possibly you could find someone who could give him a loving home since you can't?? What state are you in?? I could take the pup in if you live relatively close?? Hate to see an animal unloved...surely you understand what it is like to be unloved??

Dog is loved, but I'm really more of a cat person. And I don't dout over him like the x did. The x left , no forwarding address. No contact except a few text. He won't even see the dog since it means he'd see me.. He is very avoidant.

Glad to hear the dog is loved...I am a self proclaimed crazy dog lady (I have 3 that I fought like hell to get custody of...ironically with all the property, money, etc they are the only thing we fought over!)

I am working my ass off in the corporate world in hopes to retire one day and run a rescue organization....that is my dream!!

Sorry he left no forwarding address but you are better off without him!! Have you thought about joining a pet group?? We have great dog parks and dog meet up groups where I live...might be a good way to meet someone :)