Summary: Make a relationship with you something that a woman earns over time--not a natural progression taken for granted.

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Generally speaking, most men categorise women into those they are in FWB situations with, and those they would LTR. Whilst this compartmentalisation is certainly warranted, i would argue that FWB and LTR be two ends of the spectrum--a spectrum that she can only travel along in one direction once.

(I'm sure it goes without saying, but i will state it to avoid any confusion: There is not a post advocating that you turn every single FWB into an LTR. Rather, it is stating that for those women who prove themselves to be LTR material, FWB should always be the starting point.)

The reason why graduating a FWB to an LTR over time works is because the default frame here is her chasing you for your commitment. You giving her the chance to move up from what is essentially the female friend-zone does two things:

1) Sets the frame of you being a man of value whose commitment must be earned; you don't give said commitment simply on account of sex.

2) Makes her feel that she has earned what she has gotten, rather than just getting it. Basic psychology tells you that that which is earned and strived for over an extended period of time holds more intrinsic value--and value is crucial for any LTR.

As always, there is the certainty of her losing a certain amount of attraction when she gets your commitment, but handling that is for another post on frame.

Lessons to be had

I will reiterate: An LTR should only ever be something that you are open to, never something that you are actively seeking. Once you decide that a woman is LTR material, the progression should always start at the base level of FWB, with the potential to travel upwards once. Never just let her start at the top.