Copyright

Can Open Relationships Really Work?

While open relationships may seem a bit sexy and exciting for some, couples may find themselves faced with health issues or emotional turmoil, all in the name of fun.

There are many things people may try to either spice up a faltering relationship or maintain the passion. One of these ideas is to have an open relationship - one where both partners are together, but also free to see other people. There are many different parameters that couples place on their open relationships, depending on what the couple wishes to get out of that relationship. It is important to consider whether having an open relationship will be helpful or detrimental to your partnership.

Many couples swear by the effectiveness of their open relationships, while others may consider them to be having your cake and eating it too. The benefits of an open relationship may be the variety and freedom the couples may feel. An open relationship may give a couple the option of committing to one another without feeling like they have shut themselves off from the rest of the dating world. Monotony is not a worry in an open relationship.

There are many drawbacks as well to open relationships. Being in a relationship with one person while seeing others, no matter how open it is, may emotionally crush some people. Having to share your significant other with other people may not be the best way to build a strong, lasting relationship. If anything, an open relationship may cause feelings of resentment, hostility and jealousy. There are also the risks of participating in sexual activities with other people, such as diseases or pregnancy. Having an open relationship may expose many health and emotional vulnerabilities.

Most people enter a relationship under a condition of monogamy. If you, your partner or both do not want to be exclusive with one another, you may wish to pursue other relationships, without each other. Ending your commitment to that person, or vice-versa, in order to have other relationships may be the best decision in a situation like this.

Related Articles

Below is a selection of articles you may find helpful. These articles do not necessarily fit any particular search criteria or theme; however other users on this page have found these articles to be of interest.