Monogamy is not for everyone. The hardest thing for some people is settling down with one person. Alt hough most of us were brought up being taught that you should be monogamous, this can be difficult for some people, who just aren't hard wired that way. For this and many other reasons, an open relationship has become the new trend in town.
Before getting into an open relationship, there are a few conversations you should be sure to have with your partner. Taking these things into consideration can ensure that nobody gets hurt, and that the open relationship can fit both of your needs the way it should.
Set Rules with Your Partner
In modern times, finding partners can be fairly easy. However, having sex with multiple partners can bring about a lot of issues. If you are a couple trying to venture into an open relationship, you should first consider alternatives to spark up your own relationship. If either of you isn't actually ready for an open relationship, it can lead to a lot of pain and ultimately a breakup. If the issue is simply the amount or quality of sex you are having, try finding some ways to bring the passion back into your relationship.
If you do decide to have an open relationship, make a set of rules with your partner. These boundaries are important, and can prevent anyone feeling betrayed by something that wasn't identified as concretely "wrong" before it happened. Recommended rules range from simple generalities to specifics involving people and places that cannot be touched as part of the open relationship:
- Honesty
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Safety first if you choose to have multiples partners
- No having sex with any of your mutual friends
- Respect each other
- Don't introduce any of your lovers to your partner
- You can set up a time limit if you are just trying the concept out
- No sex in the bed you share
Setting rules and playing by these rules will ensure that, even though you guys are seeing other people, your relationship is still strong. The above rules are just a sample of practices used by many couples. You and your partner can create your own custom tailored set of rules to ensure that your relationship can grow.
Can Your Relationship Withstand an Open Relationship?
Having an open relationship can lead to more problems and even to the final breakup of your relationship if you haven't laid the proper foundation. So before jumping into an open relationship, ask yourself if your relationship is strong enough to withstand an open relationship.
Although people may say that sex is just physical, it can increase your emotional bond with a partner, and an open relationship can therefore leave one or both of you less connected emotionally to the relationship. So before deciding to be in an open relationship, ensure that your relationship has a solid foundation. Ensuring that you guys have a good rapport and an open line of communication will make sure that your relationship survives and is even strengthened by this decision.
However, if guys are having troubles in your relationship beyond the dissatisfaction with monogamy, having an open relationship could lead to the end of your relationship. You should first ensure that you work out your other issues before deciding on an open relationship.
Communication and Honesty
For any relationship to last, communication and honesty are essential. Honesty here starts with you. Be honest with yourself; can you handle sharing your partner? You should be honest with yourself and understand that someone else will be touching your partner and may be having better sex with them than you do. As a couple, you should maintain healthy communication with each other. Maintaining healthy communication will ensure that, even though you are sleeping with other people, your relationship is still a priority in your life. This means not lying about where you are on a Friday night. If the open relationship is a mutual agreement, it's important that you tell your partner where you are and who you're with, so that they don't worry you're breaking the rules you laid out together.
Conclusion
Everyone has a different view of an open relationship. Some see it as an essential while some think of it as a virus that needs to be eradicated from the society. However, for those who are having problems being in a monogamous relationship but truly love one another, an open relationship can be extremely beneficial. The important thing is to know what you're getting into.