Five years of relationship, the love is still there, the sex is a little - well, let's say, routine. Of course, after all this time you become a creature of habit, but foreign temptations remind you how exciting your love life can be. So why break up? It doesn't have to be that way, there is the possibility of an open relationship. But what exactly is it, what advantages and disadvantages are there and how should you behave? We provide answers to all of these questions in the following article.
What exactly is an open relationship?
An open relationship is when you have a steady partner, but sexual contact with other people is "permitted." This means that affairs, cheating, cheating - whatever you want to call it - do not exist in this relationship model. There is a clear distinction between sex and love: Changing partners bring more excitement into a sex life that may have become a bit boring, but love, trust and security are only reserved for the permanent partner.
Advantages and disadvantages of an open relationship
What does an open relationship bring you, apart from obviously more sex with changing partners, and what disadvantages can this bring?
+ Monogamous relationships are often stuck, especially if you have been together for a long time. From contact with others you often draw a comparison to your partner, which often means you learn to appreciate them again.
+ The sword of Damocles "infidelity" does not exist in an open relationship, which is why you can combine sexual freedom and the love of a relationship excellently.
- Sex and love are often not that easy to separate. If deeper feelings arise, it can destroy the relationship with your partner.
- Even if an open relationship has been working for a long time, one of the people involved soon notices: Somehow it has lost its appeal, I want my partner to myself again. The idea of sex with someone stranger quickly becomes unbearable.
If you want to find out more good reasons for an open relationship, you should take a look at 111 Reasons to Love Openly , our book tip on the topic!
Dos and Don'ts in an open relationship
An open relationship can only work if there has been a clear agreement in advance. So certain rules have to be set up that both people stick to - otherwise there will be arguments, mistrust and possible relationship breakdown.
- Conviction: Both of you really have to be convinced of an open relationship. If one person doesn't feel comfortable or is only going along with the whole thing so as not to lose the other, this relationship model makes no sense.
- Honesty: Problems, worries, feelings - you have to be able to talk to your partner about all of these, otherwise secrecy will result in unhappiness.
- Time for two: It is important to focus on your partner when going on dates or doing other activities with your partner. Flirting with other people is not appropriate.
- Safe sex: Protection is important not only for yourself but also for your partner, which is why you should always use a condom.
- Know yes/no: Should you tell each other about your bed stories? This is one of the aspects that should be clarified in advance.
- Define contacts: Is anyone who is willing basically allowed to meet up? What about friends and acquaintances? This also needs to be discussed.
- Feelings: If your partner develops feelings for their affair, it is advisable to end it.
Sex with other people can also work in a committed relationship if one top priority is followed: loyalty. This sounds a bit strange in the context of an open relationship, but the fact is that 97% of Germans expect loyalty from their partner. If the person sticks to the rules and remains honest, an open relationship can certainly work.
But how do you find a willing partner for new sexual adventures? In the age of the Internet, it's best to use online dating! We have put together the dos and don'ts of online dating for you so that even newbies can get started.
For anyone who wants to gradually spice up their sex life, it's worth trying out sex toys. Amorelie is your right address and the We-Vibe 4 Plus is the ideal source of pleasure for men and women! Of course, those who want to lend a hand themselves will also find the right toys.
What dos and don'ts apply in an open relationship?
