It's 2018 and people are becoming more accepting of different sexual preferences and relationship statuses. Among friends with benefits and casual hook ups, open relationships are becoming more sought after and adopted by couples.
"Open relationships" continue to challenge the traditional ideals associated with monogamy. The definition varies slightly for each couple, but essentially, open relationships are when two people agree to be together, but are open to seeing other people too.
Some couples keep their new partners separate, others share. Some might date the new people for a while, while other couples keep it strictly to one night stands only. There really is no rule book for an open relationship!
If you're not interested in an open relationship, or are trying to understand why your partner is, it can be hard to put yourself in their shoes.
There are many reasons why someone may want to engage in an open relationship. Some people find it hard practicing monogamy given their curiosity, however they still love their partner. Therefore they want to indulge in other people while keeping the safety of their relationship.
Some people simply like to experiment, even after they've found "the one". Perhaps you entered into your relationship at a young age, and both want to see what else is out there without losing each other.
It seems that a portion of the population just like to share the love in a way that might seem a little less conventional!
Deciding when to open up your relationship can be tough, particularly if you've been together for a long time.
There isn't a right or wrong time to decide to follow an open relationship. As long as you are both comfortable and 100% on board with the idea, have a strong foundation, and agree to communicate if any issues arise, then it may be the right time for you.
However, it's also important to assess the situation as it unfolds. Your partner might be totally okay with it at the start, but then develop jealous feelings when you go on a date. This is potentially damaging and it's important to maintain communication at all times!
It goes without saying, but communication is the biggest thing in any relationship, particularly if you are going to introduce other people. Decide whether you want to be open about everything (i.e. who you're texting at any one time) or what can be kept private, but always make sure you're both on the same page about anything!
It's important to set boundaries in the early stages of discussing an open relationship. Even if you haven't fully committed to it yet. Things can happen in the heat of the moment, and you want to make sure rules are already established.
The rules that you and your partner/s decide on shouldn't be based on anyone else's. This is your relationship, and your boundaries. You might decide to be each other's primary relationship, or agree to treat all partners as equal - whatever works!
You should also discuss what happens is one of you starts to fall for someone. Will they cut all ties with that person, or does that mean time's up on your relationship?
Whatever you decide, it's almost essential to set rules around STI checks and health. Introducing new people into your relationship, whether they are a casual fling or a long-term addition, opens the gates to the spread of STIs. Make sure you're all checked and good to go!
Once you've decided that you definitely want to commit to an open relationship, you might be wondering how exactly you go about that.
A lot of couples might just play it by air, and take opportunities as they arise. However, you might want to re-download your favourite dating apps to jump straight into things! Let your partner know what pace you're comfortable moving at, and have fun!
It goes without saying that open relationships definitely aren't for everyone. If they work for you, great! But don't feel pressured into turning your monogamous relationship into an open one if you're not comfortable with it. The video below goes over some things you may want to consider...
Video sourced from The School of Life
Luckily, if an open relationship isn't for you, there are plenty of other ways to spice up your sex life if that's what's needed! Adulttoymegastore has a wide range of sex toys including vibrators, dildos and anal toys to keep things interesting and fresh!