Do you ever wonder why more couples consider transitioning their romance into open relationships? It is completely okay because the psychology of non-monogamous relationships has long been taboo.
To this day, most people still look down on couples who don’t mind including additional sexual partners in their relationships. We understand this because we commonly our romantic partners to remain loyal to us.
Moreover, not many people are open to the idea of being in a non-monogamous relationship. They often shun or cut off people who don’t mind having multiple partners. However, even though it is not common at the moment, there are several rising interests in this matter.
In this article, you’ll read:
- 5 Reasons Why More Couples Consider Open Relationships
- Different Types of an Open Relationship
Are you also curious about what an open relationship is all about? An open relationship allows partners to have more than one romantic or sexual partner at a time.
It is a consensual, non-monogamous relationship where both partners can engage in sex and emotional attachment with other people. In this kind of relationship set-up, both parties should agree that both are non-exclusive or non-monogamous.
Those in committed relationships may find it hard to understand why some are open to non-monogamy. Though most of us value loyal partners, some don’t mind adding more people to their life.
5 Reasons Why More Couples Consider Open Relationships
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Looking for someone who an individual considers as their “the one” is common for many people across the globe. It is because society constantly reminds them that everyone has to look for that one person in their life that can make them feel complete.
Most of them believe in the idea that everyone has their soulmate that will be our one and only. Because of this, we often look down on people who cheat or start an affair.
However, people can never deny the fact that there is no right or wrong in love. There is no exact and specific pattern for people in finding love and how to feel happy in a relationship.
Every person has their ways on how to shape their relationship that can best suit them as well as their partner. Concerning this, some couples consider having an open relationship, which best suits them.
Here are the common reasons why some couples engage in an open relationship:
Open to Experimenting
Nowadays, other kinds of relationships outside of the norm are gradually being accepted in society. These things usually start when a couple hopes to add more excitement to their romance.
An open relationship could work for you and your partner if you are willing to open yourself to experimenting. Both of you must willingly experiment with a partner of a different gender, or you have mismatched sex drives.
Couples in non-monogamous relationships have greater variations in their sex lives. They tend to have better and more frequent sexual contact than they did when they were monogamous.
Struggle to Commit to Just One Romantic Relationship
Many people find it difficult to commit to just one romantic relationship. Some people believe that being faithful to one person for the rest of their life is unrealistic.
Instead of experiencing temptation that could eventually lead to cheating, several people just choose to switch to an open relationship. This reasoning usually applies to couples who never had relationships with other people.
Right Amount of Jealousy Is Not an Issue
In relationship matters, the word jealousy has a negative connotation. Many people view it as a bad thing in any relationship.
However, jealousy can be a good thing at times. It can be a reminder that an individual is still attracted to their partner. Concerning this, the levels of jealousy in non-monogamous relationships are much lower than those in monogamous relationships.
Changes Relationship Rules Anytime
People in an open relationship can build and change relationship rules anytime. It is the kind of relationship built on mutual respect between both parties.
In a non-monogamous relationship, people also discuss things about boundaries. Both people must have a say and right to decide what to do in the relationship.
Both Persons Know What They Want
Open relationships help people learn how to communicate their desires to their partners. Regardless of both people in a relationship decisions, they must know how to open themselves, especially to their partner.
We need to remember that couples who switch to non-monogamous relationships often do so with consent. It’s not always about making an excuse because they want to start an affair.
Image Source: iStock
7 Types of Open Relationships
Do you want to know more about open relationships? Well, there are so many types that will surprise almost anyone. To make things simple, we listed 7 types of common non-monogamous relationships that we think you should know about.
Swingers. Most of probably heard of the “swinging lifestyle.” Couples interested in this practice usually partake in sex-only relationships and avoid any romantic attachments.
Polyamory. It is a relationship model based on the idea of having romantic love with more than one person.
Solo Polyamory. Individuals in solo polyamory do not need or want a primary partner.
Hierarchical Polyamory. Couples who are either married or in a long-term relationship decide to engage in an open relationship.
Triad or Throuple. Three people are in a romantic and sexual relationship with each other.
Quad. It is a type of open relationship when four people maintain a romantic and sexual connection, not necessarily in every configuration.
Monogamish. In this kind of relationship, the couple is usually monogamous. However, they make allowances for occasional extra-curricular dalliance.