What Is An Open Relationship? Dos And Don'ts

Add as a preferred source on Google

Love is never one size fits all and it is more or less like a pair of jeans that either fits you well or it doesn't. But, staying faithful to your partner is considered sacred traditionally, however many are choosing the unconventional route and exploring options outside of their partnership or marriage.

Even if one wants to try new things, it can happen in a safe, consensual and honest way. All you need to do is set it effectively.

What Is A Open Relationship? Dos And Don'ts

An open relationship is not a monogamous relationship and both partners are allowed to see and get intimate with other people emotionally and sexually. To make it work, both partners need to establish certain rules and boundaries, have clear communication and be honest about their needs.

Since the relationship begins with an agreement between the two partners and both are aware of it. This cannot be considered cheating or having affairs. However, there are certain rules and expectations that one needs to meet in order to keep the relationship healthy. Let us know the dos and don'ts. While some show interest in strangers, others want to explore more with friends.

Here Are The Dos And Dont's When It Comes To Open Relationships

1. Being Honest

In order to be in a healthy open relationship, there must be honesty. This will help you and your partners to feel safe and secure and help them to learn about vulnerability. Therefore, accordingly one can articulate their own needs. It is important to give your partner time and space to understand the definition of how open you want to be in a relationship, be it emotional or physical. This will not only ensure longevity but the happiness of a relationship.

2. Having A Conversation

It is essential to have a discussion with your partner on why you want to be in an open relationship and schedule an appropriate time to share this. Apart from citing your reasons, you can also share that you have not experimented with this idea before and there is no shortcoming on their behalf. Also, make sure to specify the needs, whether it is emotional or physical. However, if your partner is not comfortable with the idea, you can either move forward monogamously with them or distance yourself from them and move forward independently.

3. Sticking To The Right Reasons

Open relationships are ideal for those who want something new and different from a monogamous relationship. It is also possible that you may not be able to meet all your emotional and physical needs from your straight or gay relationship and want to explore more. To be in an open relationship a huge amount of trust is required and to solve the issues of a monogamous relationship, one should not be in an open relationship.

4. Setting Physical Boundaries

Experimenting with something new is healthy if you and your partner have explicitly outlined the things that are allowed in an open relationship. It is necessary to make sure that you and your partner agree to stay within the limits and the provided boundaries that were created as a couple. Trust is essential here before you go on a physical exploration.

5. Setting Emotional Boundaries

Even though it is difficult to separate emotional and physical intimacies, discussing it with your partner will help each others to get clarity. It can be anything from dating someone who is in your social circle or a time frame that is allowed with other partners. All open relationships are unique in their own way and therefore, it is essential to respect the boundaries while meeting the needs.

6. Avoiding Jealousy

At the beginning of the relationship, jealousy can be common and it can be anything from possessiveness to light insecurities that you or your partner may not be aware of. If the open jealousy continues for so long then no one will benefit from the open arrangement. So, if the initial jealousy gets evolved over time and the partners become more comfortable then open relationships will work for those couples.

7. Checking-In With Your Partner

While embracing polyamory, there can be a significant change that a couple can experience and therefore, it is essential to check in with your partner about the amount of change they are experiencing. Creating clear guidelines is essential to enjoy the arrangement Creating a guideline at the beginning of their relationship will also ensure that there is enough space if and when you and your partner want to change their mind.