Polygamy of Open Relationships

Open relationships have become a trendy word in the world of relationships. Being in an open relationship is just the same as being polyamorous, but the two share equal characteristics that are different. An open relationship is one in which more than one partner desires to be involved in a sexual relationship outside of each other. Polyamory is all about having loving relationships and getting intimate with several people.

The whole point is to fall in love with multiple people, and there is not necessarily any relationship hierarchy like someone that can be solo poly, meaning that they want and seek poly relationships whether or not they are dating anyone. They may also enter into the two separate relationships simultaneously and view each one as equal. Poly relationships are open since they are involved in more than two people. Furthermore, not all the poly groups are looking to add more people to the dynamic, and they are not presently involved in more than two people.

Not all poly groups are looking to add more people to the dynamic, and this is also known as closed poly, which simply means that the group has several relationships, but there is an expectation that no one is involved in expanding the group. Let’s find out more about the various types of open relationships.

Polyamory

In a polyamorous relationship, all the partners agree that they have various romantic relationships with other people as long as everybody is kept informed. These connections will go beyond the physical, often involving deeper emotional relationships, and this might work well for couples who feel they cannot be and who feel that they cannot be romantically involved with one person all alone. 

Different Types of Polyamory 

There are various nuances to these types of relationships. Polyamorous people will fall into one or more of these categories:

1) Polygamy: It is the practice of having various spouses.

2) Solo Polyamory: This is based on an individual other than any pre-existing relationship, and these people treat everyone in polycule, and they don’t have a primary partner. 

3) Open and closed polyamorous relationships: In open, polyamorous relationships, the couples are happy to introduce new partners, whereas in closed relationships, the group has stopped growing. 

4) A common Scenario: A couple that has been together for a few years but feels a lack of passion. To resolve this issue, they have decided to open up their relationship. 

This is sadly not often the best way to open up to their relationship. When infidelity is involved, then it is better to solve the underlying issue in a relationship rather than try to mask it by opening up in the relationship. Often, it means divorcing or breaking up. Furthermore, the approach does not allow both people to go toward an open relationship with a positive outlook based on love and trust. 

Discussing an Open Relationship

How you approach the topic of open relationships with your partners relies on the stage of your relationship.

1) If you are currently single or dating casually, then it will be easier

At the dating stage, you can bring up your ideal of non-monogamy if you make it clear that you are not willing to be sexually and emotionally inclusive. The other person can make a clear choice as to whether they want to follow the relationship further or not. 

2) If you are in a relationship, then things will be more difficult

Initially, you have to acknowledge how you both entered the relationship and whether there was the expectation of monogamy then, your partner has the right to expect you to be monogamous if that was what you agreed to at that time. Since monogamy is a part of various people’s social expectations about romantic relationships then many people just assume this to be the term of relationship without ever speaking with your partner. 

3) Do ask yourself what has changed

Maybe you were interested in non-monogamy but attempted to remain monogamous due to social pressure or family expectations. Your open relationship discussion does not need to come as a result of a new crush, and it is much better if it comes while you stay monogamous due to family expectations or social pressure. It can simply be part of therapeutic work. 

Furthermore, if you approach your partner about an open relationship as you want to pursue a crush or be unfaithful, then just be prepared to face the difficult times in your primary relationship. Your partner will be more likely to feel betrayed and hurt, and you will be required to deal with that before you open up about your relationship if you are looking to open up your relationship with an optimistic outlook instead of boredom. Opening up your relationship to fix it when it appears to be failing is more likely a bad idea, and it will more likely worsen things in the long term, even if it seemed to work initially. 

Should you go for it or not?

If monogamy feels a bit restrictive and you crave flexibility, then open relationships can be an excellent option for which path you should depend on and what you want out of the additional relationships. Open relationships tend to be more focused on having physical relationships. People may go into this kind of relationship because they have developed different kinds of relationships. 

Some people have known since their teenage years that they are not into monogamy and, despite the expectation that everyone will one day be in a monogamous relationship. Others indulge in an open relationship as circumstances like having a crush on someone new or because a partner will present the possibility. 

Once you decide either open relationship is right for you. Then, you can open a relationship that involves taking a closer look at your beliefs and feelings about monogamy and examining what you expect from partnership and love. It takes lots of maturity and compassion. However, being in an open relationship isn't for everyone. It does not show a lack of maturity or compassion to decide that you value and prefer monogamy. In the end, being honest with yourself and your partner is what is most important for the happiness in your relationship. 

Final Thoughts

Only you can decide whether an open relationship is right for you. Opening a relationship involves taking a closer look at your beliefs and feelings about monogamy, examining what you expect from love and partnership, and being vulnerable with your feelings. It takes a lot of maturity and compassion.

But being in an open relationship is not just for everyone, and it doesn’t lack maturity and compassion to decide that you value and prefer monogamy. In the end, being honest with yourself and your partner is what is most crucial for happiness in your relationships.