An open relationship may be trendy, but it’s not for everyone. And even if it was, many open relationships end when the jealousy creeps in or the primary partner gets bored. The best way to avoid those types of issues is to discuss them upfront and set the parameters for a successful open relationship.
- Set physical and emotional boundaries.
It’s important to set up a time for both of you to talk and decide what your open relationship rules will be, says Sussman. That includes determining who is fair game to have sexual encounters with, as well as who you can hook up with socially. You and your partner should also agree on the relationship status of these other partners, says Lundquist.
The couple may also want to consider whether they will allow their partners to hook up with people from their work, or if they are ok with dating someone who isn’t in a monogamous relationship. Finally, couples should set up some guidelines about how much time they will spend on their open relationships.
- Communicate regularly.
Open communication is essential in any relationship, but it’s especially crucial in an open one. Ensure that your partner is able to express any feelings they have, including jealousy and insecurity. It’s also essential to be clear about who comes first in your relationship.
It’s not okay to ditch plans with your primary in order to have a hookup, and it’s certainly not OK to sleep with someone else in the same bed. If your open relationship is not working, it’s time to call it quits and go back to a monogamous relationship. Simple rules for a successful open relationship