Open Relationships aren’t for everyone. Most people actively desire a one-on-one romantic-love relationship. There is stability to a monogamous relationship that appeals to many people. Also, being with more than one person physically and sexually is often considered to be “wrong” or “immoral” in many cultures.

However, a monogamous relationship does not appeal to everyone. Many people don’t feel that love should be limited to one person, or that loving someone should preclude you from loving another person too. The concept is akin to love for a friend or family member: “I love my older brother. Should that mean that I can not love my younger brother also?” The idea is that love in a romantic sense should be treated the same way as platonic love.

Some cultures and religions actively encourage polygamous, or “polyamory” relationships (polyamory translates to: “one person who loves many people”). In an open relationship, it is possible for you to be seeing several people, all of whom are aware of and happy with the situation. Some people in a onpen relationship refer to themselves as “O.R.F.F.s” (open relationship friends forever), or “B.F.F.” (best friends forever).

This article is not intended to either encourage or discourage an open relationship. It is intended only to provide some thoughts on the topic for your careful consideration. The decision to have an open relationship is not something that should be taken lightly.

 Open Relationships

1. Establish agreed upon rules.

Do you want to know when your partner is with someone else? Do you want to meet anyone your partner wants to become involved with? What will you call each other? Are you going to be boyfriend/girlfriend? Friends with benefits? Will anything beyond kissing another person still require approval from your partner, or will it be “anything goes”? It’s important to be up front about these things from the very beginning, in order to avoid problems later on.

2. Communicate openly with your partner(s).

Communication is the most important part of any relationship, and open relationships are no exception. Because of the extra person or persons involved, things can get even more complicated that in a one-on-one relationship, and therefore communication becomes even more essential. If you are willing to be honest and open with each other, then there is less chance that anyone will get hurt.

3. Always have respect for your partner(s).

The person or people that you choose to be with should be important to you, and their feelings and opinions must be important to you too. Open relationships are never easy, and if someone starts to feel uncomfortable, you will need to be willing to discuss the situation with them, and to respect their wishes. Remember: this sort of thing doesn’t suit everyone.

4. Accept that you are doing something different.

Non-monogamous relationships are often frowned upon by society. If you decide that an open relationship is the right thing for you, then that’s great, but be prepared for some people to have issues with it. Some people will think it’s unethical, some people just won’t understand, and others will assume that you are just a sex-crazed maniac. Be prepared for such opposition. As long as you know that what you are doing is the right thing for you, then it doesn’t really matter what other people think.

5. Decide why you want an open relationship.

There are lots of reasons why people would desire an open relationship. Maybe you don’t want to limit your love to a single person. Maybe you feel more comfortable and stable when there are several people that you know love you and care for you. Perhaps you just aren’t at a place in your life where a monogamous relationship seems like the right thing. Whatever your reasons, make sure that you are clear about them in your own mind. This will help you communicate honestly with your partner(s), and it will also help you be certain that you are making the right choice.

You might also want to read about Casual Relationships.