An open relationship is usually defined as being in a partnership with someone, while still being able to do as you please with other people, literally “exploring your options”. A person has different outlets, while still holding on to a primary source, so with that being said, do you think it’s healthier to have an open relationship versus a monogamous one? Is having your cake AND eating it too worth not having someone completely devoted to you? It’s funny because a lot of women do find themselves in an open relationship with a man and they don’t even realize it.
This type of arrangement comes with pros as well as cons; some people who have commitment issues might prefer it this way, no strings attached and always having a safety net to fall back on if an “outlet” flakes on you. Some people cannot handle this kind of relationship, well…the majority of people, why? Because it is human nature to be possessive and not want to share what you think you “have”, despite contrary beliefs. It is especially hard for women to do this without becoming attached and jealous, because once you know what your partner brings to the table (whether it is sex, money, intellect, opportunities, etc.) why would you want to share? And to top things off, a double standard will come into play as well, if he does it, it is fine, but if you as a woman allow yourself to open your mind, body or soul to multiple men, you get a negative title. Also, women have it in them to want to nurture, so when looking for a partner, devotion is usually automatic, you can’t develop something without being completely dedicated to it. Men on the other hand may be a little more into the whole idea of being in an open relationship with a woman, but as long as it is a one way open relationship, in other words, HE can do as he pleases while SHE is loyal and okay with whatever it is he does. And in some cases, some women may be fine with this, they make up reasons trying to validate why it has to be this way, and the excuse usually used for this is “he’s just getting it all out of his system”.
Honestly, if you’re going to be in an open relationship, it has to work both ways and honesty and understanding should always be key components in this agreement. But even after a while, feelings do start to develop, so this type of “semi-commitment” can only be short term, regardless of how willing both parties were at the beginning of this. Within our culture monogamy really is the key goal with almost everybody, young and old, and the consequences of having an open relationship may lessen your chance of a good, healthy relationship with someone because you decided that it was more important to “explore your options”. Also, I understand it is easier to find more excitement outside of the person you are most involved with, because commitment does take work, but at the end of the day, what are you left with besides momentary bliss? Threatening your primary source of emotional attachment just for your temporary escapades with others doesn’t really sound worth it to me, but then again, it is different strokes for different folks, literally.
