If you want to have more than one romantic or sexual partner, it’s time to give up on traditional monogamy and look for an open relationship, which can be honest, authentic, fun, and something that can spice up your relationship.

Are you tired of the traditional model of monogamy and wondering if an open relationship might be better for you? Or maybe you’re in a relationship, and you and your partner are thinking about making things more open?

It happens, and more than ever these days… YouGov did a survey in 2020, and only 56% of the people who answered said that complete monogamy is what they want in a relationship.

Yes, you did hear that correctly! 44% of people want more than one partner. So, don’t be scared by the idea of an open relationship; it’s becoming more and more common every day.

But the question is, “do you want it?”. It’s difficult to answer, so in this post, we’ll discuss why you might want to switch to an open relationship and become polyamorous.

What is an open relationship?

First things first, you need to understand what an open relationship is:

“In an open relationship, both people agree that they are free to have romantic and/or sexual relationships with other people.”

As you can see, a polyamorous relationship is about more than just sexual encounters. It could be in a romantic setting, such as going on dates with different people, and so forth. 

Even though an open relationship has a clear definition, each can be different. You don’t have to follow any “rules.” Instead, you and your partner should discuss what you want and what’s not okay in the relationship.

For example, a couple could call each other their “primary” partner. However, they’re allowed to hook up with “secondary” partners. 

That’s the way most open relationships work. But there could be rules and limits, like not hooking up with each other’s friends and only seeing secondary partners on Sundays, or Mondays, depending on how fruity you feel!

Even if your relationship is open, you and your partner should make a set of rules that you both agree to follow. Undoubtedly, it’ll remove many problems during the open relationship because both people will understand what is and isn’t respectful.

Monogamy vs. Polygamy: What’s the difference?

Great, you now have a fundamental understanding of an open relationship. That’s perfect, but around this topic, you’ll see two phrases appear: “Monogamy” and “Polygamy.” 

Like open relationships, it’s essential to understand these two phrases when deciding whether to introduce this type of relationship into your life. 

And, trust us, it’ll help in the long run. The last thing you want to do is approach a monogamist individual and ask them to hook up because you’re a polygamist. Yeah… That would be awkward. 

Luckily, the differences are easy to understand. Briefly, monogamy is a type of relationship in which two people agree to only be sexually and romantically involved with each other, while polygamy is a type of relationship in which each person has more than one spouse at the same time.

Why open relationships don’t work… Or do they?

If you use social media, such as Facebook, TikTok, or perhaps Reddit, you’ll find that open relationships are a hot topic. 

However, it has a 50/50 reaction online. You have some people who love the idea and others who don’t. But does that mean a polyamory relationship doesn’t work? 

Simply, no. Some people might prefer a non-monogamy relationship. It all depends on who they are and their preferences.

“If you really love someone and want to build a successful relationship with them, be open with each other, be real to each other and give each other plenty of space, time apart, and freedom.” – Mouloud Benzadi 

Typically speaking, most people believe that open relationships work because of the following: 

1.   Flexibility and freedom

People in open relationships can have other sexual and romantic partners, which can make the relationship feel freer and more flexible. Without question, this can appeal to people who want to feel free of the rules of traditional relationships. 

2.   Getting rid of jealousy

When people in open relationships are honest and open about their other relationships, it can help to lessen jealousy and feelings of insecurity. This is because both partners know about their relationships with other people and agree with them; No secrets or lying is happening.

3.   Exploration of sexuality

Some individuals feel more at ease exploring their sexuality in an open relationship than in a monogamous relationship. With this ability to explore, people can use this to satisfy their curiosity and discover more about themselves and their desires.

4.   Alternative to exclusivity

Some people may need more time to be ready for or interested in an exclusive relationship. However, they still want to feel committed to one person and work together. An open relationship can be a good compromise because it allows both emotional and practical support within the relationship while having sexual and romantic freedom outside of it.

5.   Strong communication and trust

For open relationships to work, there must be good communication and trust. Partners must be able to talk about their wants, limits, and worries openly and honestly. This level of talking to each other can help the relationship grow in trust and understanding.

6.   Long distance 

Those in a long-distance relationship usually put themselves on one another. Depending on the individual, this might not be healthy. We all need romantic and sexual relationships. As a result, while our primary partner is away, many use open relationships for long distances. It ensures that you have a supportive relationship even when they’re not there. 

Should you be in an open relationship?

If the above sounds like something you want, then an open relationship might be for you. However, you can’t do this alone. For a polyamory relationship to work, you need a partner that also agrees to the type of relationship. 

And what’s the best way to express ideas? To Talk! Sit down, discuss your values, needs, and desires with your spouse, and see what they think.  

You never know; perhaps they’ve also been thinking the same thing. If so, you can create rules around your open relationship and slowly trial it, seeing how you both like it. 

But what if my spouse doesn’t want this? Of course, this can happen. And, again, that’s totally fine. Only some people like this type of relationship. However, from here, it’s your decision to respect your spouse or move on to another partner that wants this type of relationship. 

In the end, you and your partner should decide if you want to be in an open relationship based on what feels genuine and satisfactory to you both.

Even celebrities have open relationships…

Many think that open relationships are taboo. However, they couldn’t be more wrong. This type of relationship can appear in all lives, even well-known celebrities! 

Yep, you heard that right. There are many celebrities with open marriages and relationships.

One of the most notable relationships of this style in the world of celebrities must be between Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith. 

Wow. We remember this like it was yesterday. The couple was monogamous during their earlier years of being together. However, in a 2018 episode of Jada Pinkett Smith’s Facebook show “Red Table Talk,” she revealed they’re in an open relationship. 

As both celebrities were highly known, it was a shock to many. However, it comes with good reasoning, as explained by Jada:

She said that they have an “abundance mentality” in their relationship, which means that they believe there are enough love, success, and resources for everyone and that they don’t have to be possessive or territorial with each other. 

It’s a perfect example of two individuals coming together and agreeing to the “T&Cs” of their open relationships. You can see that both feel like they have a “grown” understanding of each other and know they have a “different form of exclusivity.” 

And this isn’t one in a blue moon. Many other celebrities choose this relationship style, such as Mo’Nique & Sidney Hicks, Nico Tortorella & Bethany C. Meyers, and Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie. 

What is the moral of the story? It’s very normal to be interested in an open relationship! 

Is it time for you to consider an open relationship? 

We can’t tell you whether it’s time to think about an open relationship. Undoubtedly, it’s a decision only you can make based on your values, desires, and circumstances.

But we can definitely help you find the answer…

You should consider what an open relationship means to you and whether it fits your relationship goals and expectations. If yes, you must move on to the most important step, communication! 

Yep, then you need to tell your spouse what you think. When you do this, talk to your partner openly and honestly to find out if they’re interested in an open relationship.

Once you have spoken to them openly, you may seek a secondary partner. Smash can help you find that somebody. Download from the App Store or Google Play today and find that partner you’ve been looking for.