Mary J. Blige's 'My Life' Album Perfectly Describe Being FWB

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Before SZA and Cardi B gave us albums to help us heal from f***boy and f***girl madness, there was only one Queen who had the personal experience, passion and vocals to tell the story of a 20-something woman (or man) going through relationship issues. That Queen is Mary J. Blige, and 25 years ago, she released her second studio album My Life which took her career, and her fan base, to another level.

These days, it feels as though anything that happened before the Internet existed didn’t actually happen. For example, millennials think the idea of having a friend with benefits is something they created. But Auntie Mary has been talking about her FWB situationship since 1994.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the classic album, hit the flip to check out the lyrics that perfectly describe the many stages of having a friend with bennies.

All Night Long: When your FWB is playing hard to get
“You know that I know that you love me / So if you just give me a chance, I can still show you romance.”

I’m The Only Woman: When you’re tired of being the girl on the side
“If you really don’t want me (want me) / I wish you’d let me know / And I will go so far away/ I can not stay”

You Gotta Believe: When you admit that you’ve fallen in love with your FWB
“I told you once before / That I love you / And I need you/ But let me tell you once again/ You were my closest friend”

My Life: When you try to downplay your love for your FWB
“When you’re feeling down you should never fake it / Say what’s on your mind and you’ll find in time / That all the negative energy, it would all decease”

I Never Wanna Live Without You: When your FWB finally turns into a relationship
“I have the man that I want/ I prayed so many nights for you (Down on my knees)/ And then my prayers came true of you”

Be With You: When you realize your FWB doesn’t want to be FWB anymore.
“It seems like each and ever time I come around / You don’t want me there / And it’s beginning to make me so scared/ So scared that I might lose you”

I’m Going Down: When Your FWB doesn’t work out
“Sleep don’t come easy, boy please believe me / Since you been gone, everything’s goin’ wrong/ Why’d you have to say, “Goodbye”, look what you’ve done to me/ I can’t stop these tears from fallin’ from my eyes”

Mary’s Joint: When you beg for your FWB to stay
“Why can’t we work it out Why baby? Can’t we try / You said our love would always stand the test of time”

Don’t Go: When your FWB starts acting a little shady
“I gave you my heart/ And all of my time/ But now you’re actin shady/ Is it all in my mind?”

I Love You: When the relationship is over and all you can do is reflect on the memories
“I wish you’d change your ways soon enough / So we can be together/ You just don’t understand the word love/ But now all we have is memories”

Be Happy: When you finally let your FWB and start loving yourself
“How can I love somebody else/ If I can’t love myself enough to know/ When it’s time, Time to let go”

NOTE: Mary’s My Life was her second release to chart in the top ten on Billboard, achieving as high as the No. 7 slot. It debuted at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop album chart and held that position for eight weeks. Ultimately, the release garnered a Grammy nod for Best Radio R&B Album in 1996, losing out to TLC’s CrazySexyCool.