Open Relationship

Definition

An open relationship is essentially having your cake and eating it too, romantically speaking. When two people agree to be in an open relationship, they admit they love and care about each other but mutually agree that they want to see other people too. Oftentimes those in an open relationship consider themselves to be in love with each other, but they can have lesser attachments and sexual relationships outside of their main love interest without any ill effects on their primary relationship.

Primary/Secondary Model

One form of open relationship is classified as the primary/secondary model. This one seems to fit the above definition almost exactly. In this model there is a primary relationship between two people, and each of them may have one or several secondary relationships that are not as important or committed as their primary one.

Multiple Partners/Polyfidelity

In the multiple partners model, the open relationship works more like traditional polyamory. In this sort of relationship, all partners are considered to be a part of the primary relationship, and are seen as equal participants. This can be one man with several women, one woman with several men or a combination of sexes that all share a primary, committed relationship with each other. This model is not as popular as the primary/secondary model but still has supporters.

Multiple Non-Primary Relationships

In this model, the ideas of fidelity or commitment are toned down, if not done away with entirely. In the multiple, non-primary relationship model, a person or persons may have several relationships but still considers himself or herself effectively single. This means that he or she will not value one partner over the others or allow any one partner to place any sort of committed status on him or her. If asked, people in this sort of relationship usually say they are single,"have a friend," or that they "date around."

Advice

Open relationships are not for everyone. If a couple is intending on trying an open relationship, they should examine their motivations first. If either party just doesn't want to be with his or her current partner, they should end that relationship and move on. It's also important for both partners to discuss the issue at length, set guidelines for each other on which they both agree (such as always have safe sex with other partners) and be as honest as they can about what they want and expect. Honesty and trust are the keys for anyone involved in any sort of an open relationship.