Because your curtains are going to be unlined, they will still allow some sunlight through.  For the lightest look, choose curtains made of lace or a sheer cloth. These will allow the most light through while still showing a simple pattern or color. If you want to block out sunlight, look for a heavy linen fabric. Even without being lined this fabric will dampen the amount of light shining through them, making your room much darker. If you choose a fabric that is patterned, try to find one that is patterned only on one side or that has an identical pattern on both sides. This is because when the sun shines through the fabric, it will cause you to see both patterns at once, making it appear very disorienting. Using a fabric with a high thread count (500+) is more expensive, but will block the most sunlight because it is tightly woven. Although you may not be touching your curtains all the time, the texture of the fabric gives a different appearance when hung in the light.  Cotton and polyester fabrics are the most basic for curtain use, and the easiest to sew. Avoid using silk or satin, as they will deteriorate in the sunlight. Sewing jersey knit fabrics is very difficult as they stretch when pulled. They will also begin to puddle on the floor after being hung because of their elasticity. Don’t choose a fabric that is too stiff, as it won’t drape when hung. An example of this is tulle, which offers a pretty option for sheer fabric, but is much too inflexible. You don’t have to purchase your fabric at a fabric store, look in second-hand, vintage, and consignment shops for great fabric.  Try finding vintage tablecloths in the size you need to fit your window. These offer a fun mod look to your room. Using patterned sheets is a cheap alternative to buying yardage of fabric. You can look for brand new or vintage sheets in antique or consignment shops.

Summary: Select a fabric to meet your lighting purposes. Choose a texture of fabric. Get creative with your fabric.


A good length for balloon ribbons is 48 to 57 inches (120 to 140 cm) per balloon. You can match the ribbon color to the balloon color, or opt for a neutral like ivory or white. Formal occasions like weddings and anniversaries generally use the latter. Pinch the scissor blade against the dull side of the ribbon with one hand. With the other hand, pull the length of the ribbon tautly across the scissor blade in one long stroke. Repeat if the ribbon doesn’t curl on the first attempt. Placing balloons in very large or small bunches may reduce their impact. Consider arranging balloons in bunches the size of five to eight balloons apiece. You may want to mix balloon colors, or even use bunches that contain both foil and helium balloons. Buy balloon weights at party stores or discount store retailers. To make balloon weights, pour sand onto a sheet of mylar paper and secure it with curled ribbon.  For making your own balloon weights, cut sheets of metallic paper down to twelve inches by twelve inches. One cupful of sand should support up to six balloons. If you’re purchasing balloon weights at a party supply store, an employee should be able to tell you how many balloons their weights can hold. Alternately, consult a helium height and weight chart for balloons.

Summary: Choose a ribbon color and style. Curl ribbon with scissors, if desired. Set up the balloons individually or in bunches. Buy or make balloon weights.


Go back to the beginning of your “unofficial” relationship. Review the reasons why the two of you became friends with benefits to begin with instead of an “official” couple. Now ask yourself how the situation has changed:  Have either one of you met someone new whom you’d rather be with? Is your casual arrangement growing into something too serious for you to handle? Are you unsatisfied with keeping things casual? Break-ups between committed partners traditionally warrant a face-to-face meeting or a conversation over the phone. If you feel that you should honor your preexisting friendship with the same respect, break up in person or over the phone so you can talk it over immediately. But since your FWB situation is (or is supposed to be) more casual, feel free to send the message via text or email. Just be sure to use straight-to-the-point words so there is no room for misinterpretations, since you won't be there to clarify. Instances where text or email might be preferable include:  When you feel like your resolve might weaken in direct conversation. If your FWB has a track record of being obstinate, manipulative, or slow on the uptake. If you are in a long-distance relationship, have conflicting schedules, or face some other obstacle that makes seeing each other in person a chore even in the best of times. If you want to ditch the benefits but keep the friend, share the truth with them. Keep your friendship intact by communicating honestly. Let them know exactly how things stand so the two of you can figure out how to move forward as pals. Soothe their feelings by emphasizing what was positive about this time together, while making it clear that it has come to an end:  “What we have is obviously a lot of fun, but now that So-and-So and I are getting serious, it’s not really fair to them for us to keeping doing this.” “I really enjoy what we have, but I feel like we’re becoming a little too involved, and I’m not ready for that.” “I thought I could handle keeping things casual, but now I think I’m expecting too much, which isn’t fair to you.” Even though you and your FWB had a less than serious relationship, it was still a relationship, so expect all the awkward feelings and situations that follow a traditional break-up. Give your ex-FWB (and yourself) some alone-time to adjust to your new dynamic. Resist the urge to “force” your friendship.  Allow yourself to experience the sense of loss. Spend more time with other friends and family. Avoid hanging out with your ex-FWB right away, especially in situations that often led to the two of you cashing in on your benefits. A lot of FWB situations suffer because one or both friends keep their lips shut rather than risk the good time that they’re having. Whether or not this applied to your own relationship while the “benefits” part was still active, talk openly with your friend now in order to strengthen your friendship. Don’t pretend the whole FWB phase never happened. Catch and resolve issues that may develop after the fact before they grow into more serious problems.  If you feel jealous when they start dating someone new, admit to it. Even if you’re the one who broke things off, you’re still human, and the quicker you can laugh about it with your ex-FWB, the better. If you feel tempted to relapse, or feel like your friend is still trying to claim benefits from you, talk about it so you can set up clear boundaries for the both of you to follow.
Summary: Know why you want to nix the benefits. Choose how to break up. Be upfront with your FWB. Brace yourself for the break-up. Keep communicating.