Non-traditional relationships, such as polyamory and open relationships, are becoming increasingly popular and visible in society. These types of relationships can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. In this blog post, we will explore what polyamory and open relationships are, how they differ, and some of the pros and cons of each.

What is Polyamory? Polyamory is a form of consensual non-monogamy, where people have romantic and/or sexual relationships with multiple partners at the same time, which are potentially fulfilling and meaningful. The key aspect of polyamory is that all partners are aware of and consent to the other relationships. This means that there is no cheating or secrecy involved, and all partners are open and honest with each other.

In traditional monogamous relationships, people may feel pressure to have all of their emotional and physical needs met by one person. In a polyamorous relationship, individuals have the freedom to explore different types of connections and intimacy with multiple partners, which can lead to greater overall satisfaction. Polyamory can foster open communication and negotiation, as all partners have to be transparent and communicate openly with each other about their feelings, needs, and boundaries. This generally leads to better communication and problem-solving skills in all of the relationships involved.

But polyamory is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is jealousy. In a polyamorous relationship, it is natural for partners to feel jealous at times. However, it is important for partners to work through these feelings and communicate openly with each other to overcome them. It can of course be very difficult to navigate the logistics of multiple relationships. In a traditional monogamous relationship, it is relatively simple to plan and schedule time together. But in a polyamorous relationship, there may be more partners involved and more scheduling conflicts to work out.

What is an Open Relationship? Open relationships are similar to polyamory in that they involve having romantic and/or sexual relationships with multiple partners. However, there is a key difference between the two. In an open relationship, partners are committed to each other but are also allowed to have other sexual partners. One of the benefits of open relationships is that they can provide a way for partners to explore their sexuality without breaking up their current relationship. This can lead to greater overall satisfaction and can also strengthen the bond between partners.

Open relationships can allow for greater freedom and independence of the individuals involved. In a traditional monogamous relationship, people may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. In an open relationship, partners have the freedom to explore different types of connections and intimacy without feeling constrained by societal expectations. But just like in Polyamorous relationships, jealousy is never far away. And the complex logistics of handling multiple relationships are there too. So even an open relationship has its own unique challenges to be overcome.

So what should YOU do? Polyamorous and Open Relationships are not suitable for everyone, and that’s okay. Different people have different needs and desires when it comes to relationships, and it’s important to find what works best for you. For those interested in exploring polyamory or open relationships, it’s important to do so with open communication and a willingness to be flexible and adapt to the unique challenges that come with these types of relationships.

Definitely do NOT enter into one of these relationship types if you struggle with trust issues, jealousy, or other problems in your current relationship. Whilst you may end up getting more (and possibly better) sex, these types of non-traditional relationships are not a magic fix. You must address any underlying issues in your current relationship before you consider exploring these relationship models.

Polyamory and open relationships are becoming increasingly popular and visible in society. While these types of relationships can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them, they offer an alternative to traditional monogamy and can be fulfilling and meaningful for those who are open to exploring them. It’s important to remember that these types of relationships require open communication and a willingness to be flexible and adapt to the unique challenges that come with them.