Blog Post

Open Relationships

cookshill • Aug 21, 2022

When you decide to have an open relationship, it’s important to realise that your safety net isn’t limited to your primary partner.

You should have friends you can count on, a therapist or coach, and plenty of other people in your life who are there for you when you need someone to talk to about what’s going on in your relationship. Open relationships require open communication and constant reassessment, but they can also bring you closer to the people around you if done right.

What is an open relationship?

An open relationship is a type of relationship in which the participants are free to have other sexual or romantic relationships, or both, outside of the primary relationship. The term open can refer to the relationship itself, as well as to the communication between the members of the couple. It does not mean that each person has sex with whomever they want without discussing it with their partner.

When you choose to be in an open relationship...

When you choose to be in an open relationship, you're choosing to date or sleep with other people outside of your primary relationship. This can come with a lot of freedom and excitement, but it's important to make sure that everyone involved is on the same page and that everyone's boundaries are respected. There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not an open relationship is right for you

3 Ways to Set Up Boundaries

1. Define what is and isn’t acceptable for each person in the relationship.

2. Talk about any potential risks involved with straying outside of the relationship.

3. Set up a system of communication so that both parties feel comfortable talking about their needs and wants.

Communication will be key to understanding what boundaries need to be set. For example, if one partner decides they want to have sex with someone else, but the other doesn't want their partner to have sex with anyone else, they should communicate this before beginning anything new. There are plenty of couples who live happily in open relationships while maintaining good boundaries; it's all about setting those limits early on and keeping them intact over time.

Keeping your safety net intact

Whether you're in a monogamous or open relationship, it's important to keep your safety net intact. This means communicating with your partner(s) about your boundaries, needs, and wants. It also means being honest with yourself about what you're looking for in a relationship. If you're not sure about something, ask! Communicating openly and honestly is the best way to maintain a healthy relationship.

Open Relationships are Not for Everyone

If you are the type of person who gets jealous easily, an open relationship is probably not for you. The same goes if you have a hard time communicating or setting boundaries. However, if you're comfortable with yourself and your partner, and good at communicating, an open relationship could work for you. Just be sure to set some ground rules so that everyone knows what to expect. It's important to communicate openly with your partner about how much outside contact is okay, as well as how much inside contact (e.g., sex) is okay. It's also wise to establish limits on physical contact outside of the relationship (e.g., kissing).

Need a Non Judgemental Ear? Cooks Hill Counselling is here to listen

At Cooks Hill Counselling, we understand that open relationships can be tough to navigate. We're here to provide a non-judgemental ear and help you work through whatever challenges you may be facing. Whether you're struggling with communication or simply need someone to talk to, we can help. Call us today to schedule a counselling session.