What to do when your partner asks for an open relationship

Today there are many types of relationships in which monogamy is not the only rule to establish sentimental relationships. The times have changed and with them the way of looking for a relationship, of loving and being loved. Consequently, if you are in a relationship and recently asked or suggested to open the relationship, it is normal for many doubts about it.

So that you can understand and process the situation, in this Psychology-online article, we will give you some very effective advice to know What to do when your partner asks for an open relationship and react assertively.

1. What is an open relationship
2. Think about what you really want
3. Look for information about open couples
4. Make sure you are ready to face the challenges of an open relationship
5. Do not start an open relationship to fix your own relationship
6. Define the limits of the open relationship
7. Accept things can change
8. Respect the limits of the other person
9. Visualize the situation
10. Look for external support
11. Reflect on what to do

What is an open relationship

An open relationship is an intimate interrelation in which Participants are involved with other people, In addition to your partner. Open relationships are generally agreed by all people involved and require a high level of communication and respect. These types of relationships can adopt many different ways, but they all imply a certain level of openness and honesty among the couple's members.

In addition, they can be a great option for those who seek greater sexual satisfaction or simply a more diverse experience. However, each case is different and open relationships can also be very complicated and do not always have happy endings. For this reason, if your partner asks you to have an open relationship, It is important that you take your time to think about whether it's something you really want.

Here are 10 tips on what to do if your partner asks for an open relationship.

Think about what you really want

One of the first things you should do if your partner asks you to have an open relationship is analyze what you want. It is not good that you enter a non -monogamous dynamic for pleased another person, since the consequences of this decision can be counterproductive.

Therefore, if you are willing/to try new experiences, it should be just because both you and your partner have committed to being honest with each other. If, on the contrary, you are not sure if an open relationship is what you want, you can talk to your partner about your doubts and concerns.

Look for information about open couples

Once you have already analyzed whether or not you want to participate in an open couple, the next step is Find enough information About the types of open couples that exist. For example, in addition to typical open relationships there is also polyamor, couples Swingers, among others, each of them with their own characteristics.

The idea is to identify yourself with which you feel more comfortable to really enjoy the situation.

Make sure you are ready to face the challenges of an open relationship

An open relationship can be very rewarding, but also very challenging. For this reason, Make sure you are ready To face the challenges of an open relationship, before making the decision to initiate a. That is, you must evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this type of relationship, since the consequences are presented in the long run.

For example, if you start the open relationship without feeling comfort, it is sure that you end up frustrated with the relationship.

Do not start an open relationship to fix your own relationship

If you are going to start an open relationship as a desperate attempt to fix your current relationship, we already tell you that you do not do it. This decision It will be an effort in vain, since you can't fix what is already broken by opening the relationship.

Define the limits of the open relationship

¿You want to know what to do when your partner asks you for an open relationship? It is important that you and your partner define the limits of the open relationship before starting it. This will help ensure that everyone is in the same wavelength and avoid problems in the future. For this, your expectations and needs must be communicated very well. That is to say, Make sure your partner knows what you want And you need the relationship and vice versa.

It is also important to establish acceptable limits in which honesty and sincerity are present at all times. This includes the type of information you want to share, if you can maintain sexual relations with other people, how to organize special dates or ETS protection and prevention, among other important aspects. You can even have regular controls of the agreements to assess whether the rules have been met.

If you are interested in knowing more about establishing limits in your relationship you can read the article how to build healthy relationships.

Accept things can change

Another aspect that you should take into account if your partner asks you for an open relationship is assume that things can change. It is possible that some of the limits you have established change over time and it is important that you are prepared for it.

In any case, it will be something new in your relationship that, like any important change, can have significant results in your life.

Respect the limits of the other person

If you are in an open relationship, it is important that you are honest with yourself and with your partner. If there is no honesty, they are likely to hurt. Similarly, it is important that you respect your partner's limits and do not do anything that can hurt or feel uncomfortable. Therefore, you do not force you to do something for which you are not prepared or limit your needs.

Visualize the situation

Visualization is a technique that will allow you to project your expectations Of future. In fact, this is an effective way to experience emotions. For example, imagine your partner kissing another person, caressing her or simply sharing time with him or her in a romantic way and evaluates how you will feel in these situations in those situations.

That way, you can assess whether or not you are prepared to enter a true open relationship.

Look for external support

It is no more than, before embarking on such an unpredictable trip, you support yourself in groups of couples or some specialist In this type of issues that help you clarify all the doubts that may arise. With this type of guidance, both you and your partner will explore your needs and even improve your communication skills.

Reflect on what to do

Also, do not feel obliged to do anything you do not want to do. If you are not sure if you want to have an open relationship, you don't have to access. Therefore, if your partner asks you for an open relationship, It is important that you take your time to think In case it's something you really want.

If you finally decide that an open relationship is what you want, make sure you are ready to face the challenges you entail and that you communicate your needs and expectations clearly.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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