There is a certain stigma that follows a person when he/she claims to be in an "open relationship". Are they just using it as an excuse to cheat? Do they simply not love their partner? Or..oh. They're one of those orgy-loving swingers that make dinner parties awkward don't they?
In a nutshell, an open relationship basically means that you commit to your main partner both emotionally AND sexually, but there is an understanding that both of you are free to engage in sexual relationships with others; be it through one night stands, a friend, escorts and such.
The concept of open relationships has always been shadowed in an extremely unfair light. However, (try your best to keep an open mind!) here's 5 reasons why open relationships are absolutely awesome when done with the right partner.
1. You trust each other WAY more – The idea behind this basically boils down to a healthy transparency between the two of you! Having an open relationship is about understanding why he might want to see an escort for the night, or why he might want to try something different with a girl he met at a bar. It’s because you might want the same things too! Understanding that your partner and you chose this lifestyle for a specific reason gives the both of you more common ground to engage in communicating your wants and needs truthfully without fear of being judged.
2. Having YOUR wants and needs met – Let’s face it, sometimes your partner just won’t be comfortable with your fetishes and kinks. Instead of secretly holding them accountable to not being adventurous and building up further resentment, an open relationship allows you to explore different sexual sides with other more daring individuals such as escorts. Talk about a win-win!
3. You become the boss of you – Monogamous relationships naturally employ a tighter reign around both individuals; which is a huge reason why some of them become toxic fast. Too much codependency on one another is a nasty thing, especially since the other expects his/her partner to be around 24/7 to feel validated. Being in an open relationship allows you more freedom over life’s choices, you just understand the concept of personal space and growth on a much higher level!
4. Failure is rarely an option – For many monogamous relationships, the looming idea of your partner cheating always exists in some forms throughout your time together. Will she find someone better looking? Will he find someone that’s more sexually adventurous? We all have wandering eyes, and instead of repressing those feelings, you both are allowed to embrace it without inhibition.
5. There’s a first time for EVERYTHING – Little compares to the rush of exploring entirely options with someone entirely new. Making out with a new pair of lips, discovering the curves of a new body. Meeting new people is an exhilarating feeling because it allows you to learn new things about yourself –and generally just enjoy the company of amazing individuals from all walks of life.
Society has always had a way of making a perversion out polygamy. Hollywood pokes their fair share of fun at swingers by (incorrectly) depicting them as sex-crazed hippies, or even escorts and sex workers who are depicted as “forced” into the lifestyle when given no other option. In reality however, studies show that a fair share of escorts, sex workers and adult stars do indeed have stable relationships at home! Besides, they’re not just for people in the industry. Being in a stable, open relationship is entirely possible for two rational and responsible adults, so don’t be too quick to rule it out the next time ;)