Open relationships are becoming increasingly popular, and in a world of transient dating, it can be confusing to find balance. If you are considering an open relationship, consider these questions.

What Exactly Is It?

Before considering an open relationship, it is important to ask yourself exactly what an open relationship is. Open relationships are neither classified as polyamorous or swinging relationships. Rather, these two are a mixture of both dating angles. In an open relationship, people are free to pursue full-fledged relationships with other partners and classify all the relationships as fully committed. Open relationships are often considered the middle ground between swinging and polyamory.

Can I Handle It?

An open relationship does not fall within the confinement of monogamy. This type of relationship can open up a can of worms that leads to jealousy and potential heartache. Once one party in a relationship falls deeper in love with one partner over the other, it can become quite the conundrum. Humans are emotional beings, and open relationships can be emotionally tasking. It is important to ask yourself if that is a risk you are willing to take.

Am I A Jealous Person?

Some people are more prone to monogamy than others. A person who is inherently monogamous will more than likely be more susceptible to jealousy, which can fester and escalate over time. An open relationship guarantees that you and your significant other will have romantic access to other people, which in many cases, is too much to bear in the long run for many people.

Photo Credit: Alex Green

Will I Be Okay If My Partner Leaves Me For The Other Person?

This is a valid point, and a reality for many people who are in open relationships. Partners can easily fall out of love with their original partners and become more emotionally involved with other partners they may have. This can lead to a lack of interest and profound detachment with their other partner, which is why it is important to ask yourself if you would be okay with the tinge of rejection that can come with this experience.

Can I Afford It?

Relationships cost money, and this is a reality that many people sometimes do not realize. Being at the center of multiple ongoing committed romantic relationships can easily become expensive. If you are able to easily afford the fiscal responsibility of maintaining an open relationship, then this may be one box to check off your list.

Picture of couple
Photo Credit: ANTONI SHKRABA

Do I Have The Time?

Time goes hand in hand with money. For any kind of relationship to thrive, time is an important investment. If you are juggling multiple jobs and trying to get your life on track, then it may be time to reconsider this relationship venture to avoid overstretching yourself.

Is This A Last Resort?

If getting into an open relationship is a last ditch effort to salvage your current monogamous relationship, then it might be worth reconsidering. It is hard to know the outcome of an open relationship, and getting into one just to salvage your monogamous relationship, might implode.