The same is true for relationships: If they don’t fit, they won’t make you happy. There are many various kinds of partnerships, just like there are many different kinds of wonderful denim, that much is certain. There is no doubt that love is not universal. Recently, open relationships have attracted a lot of attention, but what does it actually entail?
What Is an Open Relationship?
The same is true for relationships: If they don’t fit, they won’t make you happy. There are many various kinds of partnerships, just like there are many different kinds of wonderful denim, that much is certain. There is no doubt that love is not universal. Recently, open relationships have attracted a lot of attention, but what does it actually entail?
In essence, if you and your partner are in an open relationship, you’re cool with each other having other potential partners. The remainder of the “rules” are entirely up to you and your partner. According to Jessica Wood, lead author of a psychological study done by the University of Guelph, “We found people in consensual, non-monogamous relationships experience the same levels of relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, and sexual satisfaction as those in monogamous relationships.”
Continue reading to find out more about what it’s like to be in this kind of relationship if this seems fascinating to you but you’re not sure if it’s right for you. Before revealing more about your connection, take into account the following.
Say Goodbye to Monogamy
Although every relationship is unique, the only factor that unites them is whether or not both partners are exclusively seeing one another. Being in a relationship is all about having fun with your spouse in a setting that suits you. Go for it if you both believe that opening up would improve your relationship.
If you’ve only ever been in monogamous relationships, having an open relationship may seem unusual at first, but don’t worry—you’ll get used to it and may even wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! The first time you hook up with someone who isn’t your main man or woman, you might feel a little bad.
However, attempt to suppress those emotions because you’re not acting improperly.
According to Lawrence Josephs, Ph.D., “[Some] individuals may feel that monogamy is a prison that traps them in a permanent arrangement that is sexually frustrating and devoid of emotional intimacy.” If you can relate, it doesn’t mean that you are a bad person or that you are not capable of loving; it only indicates that you could require various things from various relationships.
Honesty Really Is the Best Policy
You must both be completely honest with one another if you want your relationship to be open. Similar to a monogamous relationship, when defining the relationship, you will talk about what is comfortable for both of you. You may feel like you’re just gaining permission to cheat on your partner from people who don’t fully understand the idea of open partnerships, but this is incorrect for the following reasons: In open partnerships, you are both free to seek other people in a way that is built on respect for one another, honest communication, and complete openness. In other words, you completely rely on one another.
You can satisfy different sexual demands with different people while still having strong feelings for your primary partner. All of this is possible while remaining absolutely honest and upfront with one another. We really believe that open communication between partners is a sign of a happy marriage.
Clear Your Schedule
You must be able to find time for everyone of your partners, regardless of how many or few you have. You will probably need to maintain a few nights available each week, regardless of whether you’re going out for a long, leisurely meal or just stopping by their flat for a fast hookup. An open relationship takes time and work, just like any other kind.
It may refer to one primary partner and additional, less important partners for certain couples, or it may refer to the possibility of both parties engaging in other committed relationships. Invest some time in figuring out what works for you, but open partnerships require time investment in any case.
Feel Your Feelings
Even if you’re incredibly accepting, trusting, and open-minded, you might still experience some envy when your partner returns home from spending the night with one of their other loves. Don’t try to act like everything is ok if you’re not since jealousy is a strong emotion that can be difficult to suppress.
Unbelievably, it’s normal for people in open relationships to feel a little threatened or intimidated by the variety of potential suitors their partner might pursue. According to Dr. Josephs, “some of us may wish to succeed in consenting non-monogamy, and that, too, involves particular personality dispositions and interpersonal abilities, such getting over jealously and nervousness regarding voluntary partner sharing.
