A consensual and non-monogamous dynamic
Open relationships fall under the larger category ofconsensually non-monogamousrelationships.
They arerelationshipsin which one or both partners can pursue sex, and sometimes emotional attachments, with other people.
They also differ frompolyamory, where partners can pursue more than one committed relationship at a time.
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Open relationships are often considered a sort of the middle ground between swinging and polyamory.
Another survey found that 31% of women and 38% of men would prefer a non-monogamous relationship.
In general, younger respondents were more likely to prefer non-monogamy than the older crowd.
Open relationships being less stigmatized in the media can contribute to both.
When done with respect and the consent of all involved, open relationships have plenty of benefits.
The first obvious one that many people think of is sexual satisfaction.
Humans enjoy novelty when it comes to sexuality, and we all crave it at one point or another.
A new partner is a great way to satisfy that craving for new sexual experiences.
Open relationships allow partners to put all their cards on the table.
Open relationships also allow non-monogamous people to express their needs and identity without fear.
Negative feelings toward your partner’s other partners can also stem from increased vulnerability.
This can make people feel anxious, angry, or make them retreat emotionally.
Is an Open Relationship Right for You?
A common scenario: a couple that has been together for a few years feels a lack of passion.
One or both partners get a crush on someone else, or one beginsan affair.
To patch up the issue, they decide to open up their relationship.
This, sadly, is not often the best way to open up your relationship.
Often, this means breaking up or divorcing.
Ask yourself what has changed.
Maybe you were always interested in non-monogamy but attempted to stay monogamous due to social pressure or family expectations.
It can simply be part of personal or therapeutic work.
You want to open up your relationship with a positive outlook rather than out of spite or boredom.
It will likely worsen things in the long term, even if it seems to work initially.
Well-communicated boundaries, however, are key.
Research has found that monogamous and consensually non-monogamous couples have high levels of individual and relationship functioning.
However,relationships characterized as one-sidedor partially-open were marked by lower functioning.
Working together to establish expectations and boundaries with your partner is beneficial.
Here are a few to consider.
Personal Boundaries
Whats fair game?
Are friends, co-workers, or ex-partners off the table?
How do you feel about strangers?
Keep in Mind
Only you might decide whether an open relationship is right for you.
It takes a lot of maturity and compassion.
2018;47(5):1439-1450. doi:10.1007/s10508-018-1178-7
YouGov.Young Americans are less wedded to monogamy than their elders.
2020;57(4):438-457. doi:10.1080/00224499.2019.1669133
