The last person I was in a sexual relationship with is a good friend. I knew, going into it, there was no future for a relationship, but I wanted to anyway. I love this man, as a person – love being a subjective word. He’s not “the one” but he’s someone who I care for greatly, so it was a natural progression to want to become intimate with him.
A physical relationship brings a whole new level to a friendship. You get to know someone in a completely different way, once you’ve had sex with them. Some things changed for the better, some not so much. You have to be prepared for changes you may not expect.
There was a short time in my life where I decided to live hedonistically – I had a few lovers (by few, I mean less than 5) that I didn’t even have a real friendship with – they were sexual partners, period. I found this type of relationship to be unfulfilling, even if they were “good” lovers. If you decide to go this route, please use protection!
I guess what I’m trying to say is, to me, there needs to be some sort emotional relationship. You don’t have to be in love with the person, but you have to at least care for them, in some way.