A clear explanation of the relations of benefit
By Reuben McNew [ENTp]
In relations of benefit there are two parties: the weakest being the benefactor, who urgently seeks to indulge in whatever the beneficiary has to offer him. And the beneficiary, the strongest member of the party upon which the Benefactor draws functional energy. In this regards, relationships of benefit could be considered mutual to parasitic, depending upon the emphasis the partners place on the relationship.
Usually partners in relations of benefit can form good friendships and remain on good terms with one another, so long as the relationship remains casual and non-serious; trouble usually only begins when the beneficiary invest time, energy, and risks emotional rejection in result of the interest of the benefactor. In essence, the benefactor is the taker of the relationship. In normal every day terms, this means that the benefactor may display typical signs of interest towards the beneficiary, who gives in the relationship. Yet, because of the natural tendencies of the two, the benefactor almost always lacks all natural ability to return anything the beneficiary might need in any type of relationship, which could lead to some unexpected disappointments and unfulfilled expectations. This could frustrate the beneficiary, since naturally he or she does not understand the nature of the benefactor’s interest; in the end, this could lead to conflict, accusations, and a general mistrust.
In relations of benefit with opposite sex partners, signs of interest from the benefactor of one sex could serve to lead on the beneficiary of the other sex. Even if the Benefactor finds the beneficiary utterly repulsive and unattractive, he or she may still attempt to draw some sort of functional strength from him or her. The beneficiary usually determines this as a positive sign of personal interest. However, destruction comes when the benefactor eventually reveals his or her true intentions did not actually involve intimacy with the beneficiary.
Relationships of benefit are typically good for friendships, but nothing more; in all, it lacks the general ingredients required to make a personal and intimate relationship work, grow, and prosper. All attempts to form personal intimacy in a relationship of this sort is always fruitless, and should be avoided for the sake of decency. Do not be fooled by your benefactor!