Here's the Reality behind Open Relationships ...

Here's the Reality behind Open Relationships ...
By Heather • Jan 19, 2022 MD

Open relationships are some of the hardest relationships out there. While they might not work for everyone, aren't you just a little curious what an open relationship is all about? I did and that's why I scoured Google to find all of the different opinions, rules and interest about open relationships.

1. You've Got to Put It All on the Table in the Beginning

You've Got to Put It All on the Table in the Beginning First things first, you've got to talk it over with your partner. Be sensitive when you're bringing it up though, but explain exactly why this is something you'll want to try.

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2. There Needs to Be Ground Rules Set

There Needs to Be Ground Rules Set The reality of it is, maybe different relationships end in cheating. That means that in an open relationship, there needs to be ground rules so nobody gets hurt – even if you are open, doesn't mean your partner can go off and have sex with tons of different people behind your back.

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3. Polyamorists Say, Communication is KEY

Polyamorists Say, Communication is KEY If you're thinking about changing your relationship to open, you've GOT to communicate everything. It's the only way to make this type of relationship work.

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4. There Has Got to Be a Great Foundation of Trust

There Has Got to Be a Great Foundation of Trust Truth be told, you and your partner (or partners) need to trust each other in every single different way. This goes hand-in-hand with communicating openly.

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If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. You've Also Got to Be Flexible

You've Also Got to Be Flexible If you're in this type of relationship, flexibility is definitely a building block to the relationship.

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6. It Can Increase Sexual Intimacy

It Can Increase Sexual Intimacy Sometimes, in a relationship, one partner has a larger sexual appetite than the other, if you're in an open relationship, the partner that has a larger appetite has a chance to quench their appetite a bit.

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7. An Open Relationship Can Be Risky

An Open Relationship Can Be Risky After all, you are having sex with multiple people, so the chance for an STD is higher.

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8. Boundaries Are Something That Are Needed in This Relationship

Boundaries Are Something That Are Needed in This Relationship You might want to keep a few things about your escapades to yourself, especially in the beginning if you are considering this type of relationship.

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9. You've Got to Speak up

You've Got to Speak up If something in his relationship doesn't work out for you, you've got to speak up and you've got to make sure that your partner is aware.

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10. You Don't Want to Cheat

You Don't Want to Cheat Yes, you'll be having sex with different people, but if your relationship rules are outlined that you can't have sex with certain people or during certain times, don't cheat.

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11. Make Sure You're Making the Change for the Right Reasons

Make Sure You're Making the Change for the Right Reasons If you decide to make the change mind you.

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12. You Should Tell Your Other Partners

You Should Tell Your Other Partners Never, ever keep anything about your relationship a secret from anyone.

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13. You'll Need to Have Regular Check-ins with Your Partner

You'll Need to Have Regular Check-ins with Your Partner Meaning, you'll have to communicate, just like the rule above more and more with your partner, you'll have to check in and revisit the topic a ton.

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14. Sometimes, It Can Hurt

Sometimes, It Can Hurt Yes, sometimes, especially in the beginning, being in this type of relationship can hurt. It isn't easy.

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15. There Can Be Jealousy

There Can Be Jealousy Again, especially in the beginning, you'll be jealous. So will your partner.

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16. You Could Get Resentful

You Could Get Resentful Which is something that you'll have to control, something you'll have to work on.

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17. Remember, if It Isn't Working...

Remember, if It Isn't Working... Stop doing it! If your partner doesn't want to stop? You may need to find a new partner.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Katie

    2016-01-16T22:01:01.402Z

    Open relationships and polyamory are not the same thing! One is an emotional commitment to one person, with freedom to have sex with others, while one is actually being committed to multiple people. The terms are not interchangeable.
  • peony

    2016-01-17T12:59:36.128Z

    Open relationships are for people who do not want to grow up...yeah i said it!
  • Caramel91

    2016-01-17T19:54:16.085Z

    So against this idea, it sounds as a selfish thing to do beside not being normal or health, the points mentioned contradict with each other, I seriously dont see or understand why people do this !!!
  • Sev

    2016-01-17T06:33:57.727Z

    Thank you Katie for saying the difference. I was in an open relationship for a while, which is when you're emotionally committed to the person but you can sleep with others (within your agreement), it was more we both worked long hours and when one of us was stressed while the other was busy, we'd go be with someone else for a few hours. Polyamory is being emotionally and physically involved with all partners, similar to swingers with emotion added.
  • Yunsung

    2016-01-18T02:25:49.968Z

    I was in an Open relationship long Time (10 yrs) ago and i am not into it Andy more, not that I see it's inadequate I just don't have the same amount of time and energy. I think you learn something very important in your life in an open relationship, which is loving something and letting it go at the same time. It was a very cool experience for me.
  • Kylee

    2016-01-17T00:23:59.925Z

    Open relationships seem so unhealthy I don't understand how people could do that... Or want to do it for that matter
  • Sapna

    2016-01-16T18:25:27.779Z

    Nice article
  • OhMeOhMy10

    2016-01-16T18:34:54.837Z

    Hmmm...
  • Sandy2pointo

    2016-01-17T17:22:41.239Z

    I wish people would stop trying to redefine love, relationships, and marriage. These things are what they are! If you can't do right by either one just leave it alone. Open relationship is simply selfish with a new name!
  • Liz

    2016-01-17T02:17:20.711Z

    Kylee and J, amen!
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