The traditional definition of an adult relationship suggests a mutual agreement between two consenting and mature people who are exclusively sharing their lives in all forms from social activities to bedroom intimacy. This automatically disqualifies casual sex escapades and any other romanticizing between either member of the couple in this relationship. However, like every other aspect of society, the modern era has brought about a lot of loopholes and variations to committed relationships like this (relatively) new notion of open relationship. This way, people can explore their sexual fantasies uninhibitedly, powered by dating apps and websites, and without any guilt. The only rule is to return to one specific partner after it all!

What Is Open Relationship Exactly?

Given the traditional perception towards a relationship mentioned already, an open relationship is one where all those monogamous expectations are swept aside. In other words, two people that are romantically involved give each other the freedom to engage in casual sex hook-ups with other people.

In its purest form, an open relationship seeks to give both individuals to explore their sexual fantasies and proclivities in peace yet retaining a deeper emotional bond with one person. This actually makes sense when you consider that committed or long-term relationships have more to them than just regular sex. Think about it, what happens if you find someone intellectually attractive, yet they’re so terrible in bed? Do you ditch them for it?

Open relationships also seem to suit the various lifestyles in society that make sex between two individuals difficult or unsatisfactory. For instance, what happens if a bisexual man falls in love with a woman? Since he is attracted to men as well, the open relationship status enables him to satisfy his sexual appetite yet still share the emotional bond with the woman.

Types of Open Relationships

Now, the issue of a non-monogamous relationship brings about a lot of dynamics in a relationship hence the need to determine the form of casual sex being explored by the individuals. Of course, this is often a super-personal issue with couples. But the reality is that open relationships come in two main forms:

1. Mutual Promiscuity

With this one, both persons in the relationship are free to hook up with whomever they want. This type further diversifies into various ones depending on certain aspects such as disclosure or non-disclosure of the hook-ups, the hookup frequency, etc. This type is often a result of scenarios such as long-distance dating where two people are in love but separated out of necessity. In such a case, each member is free to have sex wherever they are. But the two still have plans to stay together because of their existing bond. Not your thing? Check out how to maintain a healthy long-term relationship on our blog despite that distance.

2. One-Party Promiscuity

Only one member of the couple is involved with other people here. It again varies depending on personal preferences and mutual agreements. The promiscuous party may disclose every time he/she hook-ups with someone else or not, etc. Now, this type is much more popular than you may think. Sometimes, one party is just unable to sexually satisfy the other party e.g. when a man gets paralyzed and can’t really attend to her wife’s sexual needs. It’s also pretty common with the straight partner + bi partner couples.

Pros of Open Relationship

Now, for someone considering whether or not it’s a good idea to explore an open relationship, it’s critical that you first specify the pros and cons of it. This way, you can determine whether it’s a good fit for you and your partner. Let’s start with the pros!

• Sexual Liberty

Naturally, we long for some sexual adventures from time to time. Open relationships eliminate the strain of monogamy for both parties. As such, you can both focus on other aspects of your relationship, such as emotional support and perhaps even raising a family without causing sexually-emanating rifts.

What’s more, sexual interests tend to differ. It’s rare to get two people who are identical in their sexual preferences while being compatible to date. This way, you deal with those diverging casual sex habits and yet preserve the connection that you have as a couple.

• Promotes Honesty

One of the greatest law with relationships is the lack of honesty. One party might sneak around having casual sex hook-ups secretly. However, open relationships foster honesty as both parties are already in the know about these sexcapades. Such honesty can easily build a stronger bond and mutual trust in other non-sexual aspects of the relationship.

• Relationship Intrigue

Lots of couples hit a ‘rut’ sooner or later. They are bored with each other, and this causes them to drift apart. With open relationships, this is pretty rare as both parties can enjoy a lot of excitement and form of adventure at any time without restricting each other. You can also read more about rekindling your passions to exit that rut! Open relationships also preserve relationships that would otherwise have gone sour due to sexual frustrations e.g. when two people are far away from each other.

Cons of Open Relationships

This relationship status comes with its pitfalls, which should be carefully evaluated before jumping in.

• The green-eyed monster: jealousy

Human beings are naturally possessive of what they regard as ‘theirs’. The idea of your partner getting down and nasty can prove to be pretty unbearable and lead to the development of jealous feelings. These can just as easily destroy the relationship.

• Builds a promiscuous culture

In the case of the long-term relationships between separated people, allowing each other to engage in casual sex hook-ups with random people can easily build a habit of promiscuity. It might be difficult to stop this all once you two are finally back together in close proximity.

• Devalues sex

No matter how hippy the society may get, sex remains a special shared experience of intimacy that builds a stronger bond between two people. As such, engaging in rampant casual sex can be disastrous to one’s perception of the act. It becomes something easily given away and meaningless. In stark contrast, monogamous couples often strengthen their connection through intimacy due to the preservation of that sex value.

So, Is Open Relationship for Me?

It’s critical to consider the unique personalities of your partner as well as yourself to determine whether or not you can handle an open relationship. If either of you comes from a traditionally-inclined background, dealing with an open relationship can be impossible for them. The same goes if either of you is typically jealous of his/her possessions.

There are, however, many alternatives to dealing with sexual frustrations and inadequacies that are perhaps not as extreme as an open relationship. For instance, there are lots of innovative sex toys out there that can pick up the slack. Check out our blog on advanced sex dolls to know more.

Also, you can choose to explore sexual fantasies together rather than each person nudging in independent casual sex. There are also lots of couples seeking men and women to join them in bed for threesomes and other adventures out there. Doing so can make these sexcapades a shared experience. This way, you can better strengthen your relationship

Whatever you decide, just remember to play it safe. It’s better to avoid endangering your partner in any way, sexually or emotionally! Make use of advanced dating websites. They allow you to find a specific casual sex partner to join you in bed in a particular location such as Wickedlist. If it’s still not working out for you, perhaps it’s time to move on! Whether you’re exploring alone or with your long-term partner, Wickedlist always got your back. Enjoy!