Open Relationship - 7 Essentials for an Open Relationship

1. A happy and functioning relationship:

You are in a stable and happy relationship. Your focus is on your relationship with each other; encounters with other people should be seen as a complement, not an alternative. The opening up of the relationship should definitely come from a shared curiosity for new experiences.

2. Inner agreement:

Even if it is difficult at first and you struggle with jealousy and insecurity, deep down you should allow your partner to have intimate encounters with other people.

3. Dealing with jealousy:

You are willing to accept jealousy as a learning process and work on it together. Jealousy is normal and okay. It shows you how important you are to each other.

4. Identification with the relationship:

You are so sure of your bond that challenges that come your way will not cause you to question the relationship directly. The relationship should not compete with these experiences.

5. Respect for Needs:

Your partner's needs and happiness are important to you. At the same time, you always have the right to say "no" if something doesn't feel right.

6. Clear rules:

You are willing to set clear rules together and adjust them whenever necessary. When you move into an open relationship, you lose the safe framework of monogamy. To make an open relationship work, you need your own rules. Until you figure out what works for you and what doesn't, you'll have to negotiate with each other. Once rules are established, they should be followed at all costs.

7. Communication:

You are willing to talk openly and really listen to each other. In a functioning open relationship, you should always be able to talk to your partner about your needs, your well-being, your fears, and your insecurities. Mutual understanding is key.

The concept of an open relationship can be appealing. The security and intimacy of a committed relationship coupled with a bit of adventure and freedom sounds like an exciting mix! However, opening up a relationship is not an easy step and presents challenges that are not appropriate for every couple.

Before you take this step, ask yourself Are we really ready for this? The following 7 points will help you determine if an open relationship is right for you.

Want to open up your relationship? I would love to support you!