According to several studies that Gleeden has done, the leading platform for extramarital encounters designed by and for women, which has been carried out over 12 years, has noticed that after several years of relationship, some women want to experience new things to feel again. desired or live other types of sexual and affective experiences; so one of them is to consider having an open relationship.
What is an open relationship?
This way of bonding between adults is in which all parties accept that those who are part of that relationship can sustain other relationships that can even be considered romantic or within the field of relations as a couple, without being conceived as infidelity.
In case of considering this scenario with your partner, you must determine under what conditions the open relationship is established, since there are different varieties for this. The sex-affective relationships that exist: open relationships, swingers, polyamory, to mention the most common. It is important to define that you define exactly what you are looking for and what you are going to propose to your partner. The more information you have, the better for your partner to take you seriously and understand your current needs.
Is it the same as polyamory?
Although now these ways of relating are in a theoretical phase. The best known is probably the open relationship, which is not the same as polyamorous. The main discrepancy between these is that the first focuses on an affective and emotional commitment only between two people, although the perception of the sexual aspect clearly allows freedom.
For its part, in polyamory, it does not work in the same way as polyamory, what it means is that the bond that unites its members is exclusive between the members in all senses, it can be said that both romantic and sexual. In what can be pointed out as exclusive fidelity between the participants.
Are there rules in an open relationship?
Depending on how this way of relating has been studied, most couples have agreements for a practice of this type, although things may turn out differently than you imagined; you can find situations that you do not like or with which you do not feel comfortable. Therefore, it is important to always maintain good communication with your partner and remember that all agreements are negotiable, so that both parties are satisfied with what they are experiencing.
At the same time, it is important that you work on your self-confidence, your self-esteem, communication and respect for your partner to continue strengthening the relationship you have.
An open relationship is not a direct pass to a life of debauchery, because immediately it represents an agreement with your partner with whom you continue to have a relationship and openness to new experiences must be accompanied by a lot of communication and respect.
Gleeden recommends therapeutic accompaniment with your partner, in order to help have this type of negotiations with greater objectivity or, to help close conflicts that may arise in case either of the two in the couple decides to change their mind. As for opening the relationship.
Advantages and disadvantages of an open relationship
As every agreement in life has both sides that can be weighed when deciding to have an arrangement of this type, let’s analyze some of the advantages and disadvantages, according to Rosa Armas. couple psychologist.
Advantage:
- It can stimulate sexual encounters with the couple. After having different experiences outside the relationship, these generate another dynamic with the couple and create new sensations together.
- It generates a feeling of variety, this is an alternative for people who are overwhelmed by the idea of being with just one person, without having other alternatives to relate to.
- It is a way to let go of jealousy; this thanks to the understanding and agreement in which, despite the relationship outside the couple, the other will return with their main commitment and stable relationship.
Disadvantages:
- Yes, jealousy can be avoided, in other people it can exacerbate it, so it is not easy to lead a relationship of this type.
- The latent risk that a sexual adventure will turn into a crush and break up the original couple. Although this can happen without the need to open the pair, we know it very well.
- It is not an option for everyone and it is a difficult conversation, however, this can give more life to a couple who have their doubts even though love is present.
Open relationships are there all life has been known about this type of couple dynamicsHowever, now beyond the condition that continuously favored men, it is in these times that the need for women to have one more alternative to relating outside the traditional roles that have limited them is openly expressed.