The guiding principles for successful open relationships are consent, transparency, and mutual respect. While it can be challenging to communicate clearly and set boundaries when you’re starting a new relationship, doing so from the outset can help prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the road. Especially when discussing sexual and emotional boundaries, be sure to ask yourself what you’re comfortable with. Do you want a strictly physical relationship or are you looking for more emotional intimacy as well?
Jealousy is a natural part of any relationship and can be particularly challenging to navigate in an open one. It’s important to remember that jealousy is a complicated emotion with many underlying causes. It can be helpful to reflect on why you’re feeling jealous and to use it as a way to grow as a person.
Creating a healthy relationship requires ongoing communication and regular check-ins. It’s also important to understand the difference between love and sexual intimacy. Often, people who are in non-monogamous relationships confuse these concepts and may feel that the pursuit of physical freedom results in a lack of emotional connection or depth. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. By prioritizing self-care, communicating openly and honestly with the primary couple, and seeking guidance from a therapist when needed, pathways towards emotional intimacy can be opened up. By navigating through the challenges that arise, such as jealousy and insecurity, with empathy, honesty, and mutual respect, open relationships can flourish.navigating Emotions in Open Relationships