In recent years, open relationships have been
increasing. The truth is that the reasons why people decide to live intimate
relationships in an open manner are very varied, being an alternative to
traditional monogamy.
Many believe that the only way to experience
love is as a couple, but some people do not agree with this approach. This is
how some people want to explore the possibilities of open relationships, and
there are tips to avoid a breakup of a couple. The main thing is that it is an
enriching and enjoyable experience for both.
Open relationships: 5 tips to avoid a breakup
In an open relationship, couples interact
intimately with more than one person at the same time. The number of
interactions, the frequency or the way of relating varies according to the
couple agreements and is that as long as it is a consensual decision the option
is totally valid.
For example, it can be established if both can
have sporadic encounters or if it is allowed to maintain long emotional
relationships. The type of open relationship depends entirely on each case, but
there are tips to avoid a breakup of the couple.
1. Decide in common agreement
The decision to live an open relationship must
always be in common agreement. For a relationship of this kind to become a healthy
and enriching experience must be done from the absolute conviction of all
involved.
It may be that the idea comes from one of the
two, but the other party should not accept it out of fear or pressure. Any
decision that involves the couple must be taken together, and the decision to
live an open relationship is far from being an exception.
Given this situation, it is best to take the
time necessary to have the conviction of living in an open relationship. You
have to talk openly about the subject at a time when both people feel
comfortable and there is time to talk extensively and answer questions.
A good strategy is to find information and share
it, as well as to talk about the reasons why you want to experience another
type of relationship. Above all, we must remember that, in order to work,
mutual agreement is fundamental.
2. Start when the relationship is healthy
An open relationship should not be a solution to
a difficult stage of the relationship. It is common that when the couple goes
through difficult times are looking for solutions of all kinds. The idea of
trying a kind of open relationship may seem like a possible solution, but it
is usually a misconception.
Far from bringing well-being to the situation of
a couple, conflicts and resentments are likely to increase. For this reason,
you should avoid starting a new type of relationship at a vulnerable time
between the couple.
On the contrary, beginning to experiment with
open relationships when the couple's situation is good allows the possibilities
of enjoying this new stage to increase. When the situation between the couple
is healthy there is greater communication and confidence.
These two factors allow both situations to feel
comfortable to talk about what they feel and how best to take it. This way you
can avoid a couple of breakups that other people suffer from the tensions
generated by misunderstandings resulting from open relationships.
3. Maintain open communication
An open relationship requires effective
communication among all involved. It is not only about speaking and expressing
what is happening but about understanding in an individual way what feelings
emerge after being able to communicate it.
It also requires maintaining an open attitude to
listen without prejudice to what the couple wants to say. It must be understood
that in this new stage new doubts and feelings arise and that perhaps they have
never been experienced before and it is important to talk about them.
This is how the rules and the type of open
relationship are constructed. Limits on intimate relationships sometimes need
to be rethought if there is a case that something is affecting one of the two
people.
Effective communication in an open relationship
is a fundamental part of its proper functioning, and an agreement can be
reviewed.
4. Honesty
A key factor in the success of open
relationships is honesty. Although in the imaginary of some people open
relationships are the product of lack of commitment and honesty, in fact, the
opposite occurs.
An open and healthy relationship for all
involved requires a large dose of commitment, sincerity, and loyalty. For this
reason, it should be considered that we must always maintain an honest attitude
with the couple and with the relationships that are external.
It is essential that third parties have full
knowledge of the type of relationship that is carried. This avoids
misunderstandings, and they must agree and accept the conditions for the
relationship to go well.
Keep in mind that you should not cheat someone
to enjoy the relationship. This means persuading someone outside to satisfy
some fantasy without the person involved knowing that it is a game. All people
involved in an open relationship should always commit to being honest.
5. Establish something unique and special with
the main couple
In an open relationship, there should be no
jealousy, and it is good to look for some "exclusive" aspect between
the couple. Maintaining an open relationship does not reflect the failure of
the current relationship situation or diminish the love or level of commitment.
However, a feeling of displacement may begin to
exist, especially at the beginning of the experience. This should not lead to
jealousy, and it is recommended to take some measures so that the feeling of
belonging prevails. We must maintain the bond of healthy attachment to new
experiences.
Designate one or several days a week to devote
time as a couple is a good idea for it. You can also request that special
places for the couple be exclusive to her. Anything that makes the couple feel
special can help strengthen them and not be affected by new experiences.