Not too long ago we were treated to the Smith’s family saga when August Alsina opened up about his relationship with Jada Smith. A whole new relationship level was unlocked “entanglement” and many commented, “couldn’t be me”. Sorry to say though, but some are actually in a one-sided open relationship which they are not just aware of. In simple terms, an open relationship is one where partners reach an agreement to pursue sex or any other emotional attachments with other people. There’s a quite a lot of stigma attached around this concept of non-monogamous relationship but that hasn’t really stopped some from cheating behind their partners’ backs.
Many may consider having an open relationship for some of the following reasons:
*Varied sex drive between partners.
*Their non-monogamous nature. Some constantly cheat in their monogamous relationship and they want to avoid that.
*Where the partners are in a long-distance relationship, etc

But whatever the reason(s) may be, bringing up the subject of open relationships is never an easy thing to do, especially when it was never discussed at the dating stage. Not all partners will fancy the idea and even the one bringing it up might not like having his/her partner looking outside for fulfilment from others. Sure you’ll love to enjoy your freedom while still committed to the relationship, but will you allow your partner same allowances? You must also be honest about whether you really want it too or just doing it for your partner else this can lead to resentment. Let’s consider the pros and cons of having an open relationship.

Pros

Freedom to Be Yourself
Relationships require lots of work to succeed. Open relationships allow non-monogamous people to be open and freely express themselves without dread. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you are not, but you are free to be yourself. There’s no sneaking around or lying to your partner with such arrangements and this can lead to less emotional anguish.

It Encourages Honest Communication
Lots of relationships suffer from a lack of communication about wants and needs. The foundation of an open relationship is built on the need for complete and honest communication with your partner when making arrangements on pursuing others. If you are still hiding things and not being truthful with one another, the whole relationship is likely to come crashing like a pack of cards.

New Experiences
Open relationships are all about experiencing new and exciting adventures. Where one partner is having unfulfilled needs, an open relationship allows you to solve that itch without having to call it quits with your main relationship. You can freely explore while still staying committed to the relationship you currently have. A lot of people tend to break up, explore then find their way back but you can avoid all of that with an open relationship. There’s also no pressure for one person to fulfil all their partner’s needs and so they can enjoy the relationship without stress.

Read: https://tlc.ng/why-ladies-love-and-find-bad-boys-irrestible/

Cons

Risk of Jealousy
This can come about when one partner begins to feel he or she is not good enough for the other person and starts to feel insecure. This is especially true where one partner wants an open relationship more than the other. Such a person may start to wonder if their partner might still leave if they find someone better. There’s the emotional pain where your partner experiences happiness with someone else, which can then lead to the whole thing to backfire and conflict may then arise as a result of jealousy.

Risk of STI’s
Having multiple partners increases the risk of passing around sexually transmitted infections. You can’t always monitor their sexual lives so you open yourself up to unnecessary risks to your health. A mutually monogamous relationship reduces your risks of contracting STI’s.

It won’t Fix a Failing Relationship
If your relationship is weak from the start and you see an open relationship as a means to save it, this may actually backfire. An open relationship itself takes a lot of trust and a strong foundation, if this is already missing in your relationship you’ll only be bringing it to a quicker end. Fix up your relationship without inviting others, it won’t solve the underlying problems. You also can’t use an open relationship to run away from your problems.

It leaves One Vulnerable
What if your partner falls in love with someone else? This is a huge risk, in spite of the rules and boundaries you might have put in place with your partner. There’s always that chance that your partner may develop deeper feelings for the other party and this can put you at an emotional risk and feeling vulnerable.

An open relationship isn’t really for everyone, don’t be pressured into doing what you are not comfortable with. It’s a great option for those who don’t believe in monogamy or have tried but failed at it. In cases where it works, it allows you to develop a meaningful connection with another while still being free. It totally defeats the idiomatic phrase that says that you can’t have your cake and eat it.

https://tlc.ng/pros-and-cons-of-an-open-relationship/


What's your thought about it?

the only rule to open r/ship is that... whatever you think you will be getting on the side, so does your wife.