Is there anything between a monogamous and an open relationship?

[butterfly]

Lately, I've been soul-searching about relationships, and I'm genuinely curious if there's a kind of sweet spot between traditional monogamous relationship and wide-open relationships. Love and connection often dance to their own tune, and I can't help but wonder how couples manage to navigate the intricate steps of partnership while preserving their individuality and respecting each other's desires and limits.

[Finchie40]

To me an open relationship isn’t a real relationship mainly because I am old school when it comes to relationships and believe in the traditional foundation of relationships with falling in love with someone the same way they fall in love with you , staying loyal and honest with each other and choosing each other , I couldn’t be in a relationship with a girl that couldn’t stay loyal and honest with me period , that couldn’t choose me the same way I choose her , I see no point of being in a relationship with that person whatsoever, it would just be sex and nothing more , so why even be in a relationship with them if that is the case?, a relationship needs to go both ways for it work and for love to grow , or it’s just a waste of time , Open relationships to me is just 2 people
Conveniently using each other while keeping a door open to allow someone else in, it’s a selfish mindset is how I look at it , not only that is that the reason , it’s also dirty and degrading to have multiple sexual partners , so if you truly loved someone why would you want to put them at risk of catching STD’s then also put yourself at risk as well? Sex to me is best when you are with someone that only wants you like you want them , There is no point of even being in a relationship with someone if you both can’t stay faithful to each other , you are best to stay single and hook up with random people if that is the case

[OlderAndWiser]

Threesomes seem to be the logical intermediate, but I don't recommend sharing your partner. What's the point in saying that you are committed to your partner if that is NOT what you want?

[Anonymous]

I personally don't believe in open relationships. I feel they don't work. Eventually someone is going to be hurt badly. I mean look at Will and Jada and how much of a dumpster fire of a marriage they have now.

[Tim2nice]

What makes you think that?

[Opinion Owner]

Because open relationships lead to someone not feeling completely satisfied in the relationship. Someone is going to be getting way more attention than the other which is going to cause major problems.

[Tim2nice]

That can happen in any monogamous marriage or relationship. My wife doesn’t see enough of me because I’m always working. For that reason I’ve told her to see other men.

[AviatorTom]

Well, there's polygamy, but that's illegal in most places.

[simon]

The world of relationships isn't just black and white with monogamous and open relationships.

Monogamish: This term was popularized by Dan Savage, and it's like a middle ground. It's mostly monogamous but allows for occasional outside sexual encounters. The key here is that these encounters are not full-blown relationships, and there's a lot of communication and boundaries set. It’s like having a home base but taking a short trip now and then.

Polyamory: This one's more about having multiple emotional and romantic relationships at the same time, with the consent and knowledge of everyone involved. It's different from an open relationship because it’s not just about sex; it’s about forming real connections with more than one person. Think of it as having multiple love stories happening at once.

Swinging: This typically involves committed couples exchanging partners with other couples for sexual experiences. It's often more about recreational sex and less about forming emotional bonds with others. It's like spicing up the relationship with some adventurous experiences, but the emotional commitment remains between the primary partners.

Hybrid Relationships: Here, one person is monogamous, but their partner is not. This might sound tricky, but with a lot of communication, understanding, and respect for each other's needs and boundaries, some couples make it work. It’s like having different relationship styles coexisting in harmony.

Relationship Anarchy: This philosophy is all about letting relationships flow freely without being confined by labels or traditional expectations. It’s like custom-building your relationship based on the needs and wants of everyone involved, rather than following a pre-set script.

The most important thing in any relationship style is clear, honest communication and consent from everyone involved. It's all about finding what works best for you and your partner!

[RedInnocent68]

Every relationship draws lines. Sometimes monogamous relationships run afoul by trying to draw that line in unrealistic places that cloister individuals and constantly make them into criminals on the run (eg, no social media, no porn, no interaction with the opposite sex).

[boggboss]

It would just be a open relationship as that in itself is not a actual thing every open relationship is different as the setting for it is making your own boundaries

[MrOracle]

That's like the middle between pregnant and not pregnant - no such thing exists except in the minds of a few who want to avoid responsibility for their decisions. It's one or the other.

[Billlewis]

Yes, a one sided open relationship, in which the woman has unlimited freedom to date other guys whenever she wants, but the guy remains 100% exclusive and faithful to her at all times.

[Jbear27]

The in between I guess would be a swingers couple whom have to agree on their extra partners before laying with them.

[slatyb]

Yes, it's polyamory -- a closed group of more than two people.

[Fireguy17]

For me it would be called dating.

Other than that I don't have a clue.

[Ameatpopsicle]

If your with someone, than stay or leave. Life is to short. There is the right one for everyone, for life!

[love_conquers_lust]

Open relationships aren’t relationships. You can only give your FULL devotion to one.

[Tim2nice]

You’re factually incorrect

[Twalli]

Well you can be monogamous but have 2 circles of friends. Some of my girlfriend's friends are not mine and we've never met.

[BoopBoopBeep]

Polyamory