Open and Equal

You don’t need a partner to identify as gay.
You don’t need a partner to identify as bisexual.
You don’t need a partner to identify as heterosexual.

You don’t need a partner(s) to identify as polyamorous.

***r ***an

Your relationship(s) is your relationship(s).

It may sometimes feel you’re representing the non-monogamy community...but you don’t have to feel this way.

Just like the challenges, breakups and/or successes of a monogamous relationship don’t reflect the monogamy community...the challenges, breakups and/or successes of a non-monogamous relationship don’t reflect the non-monogamy community.

Don’t worry about others’ opinions, you do you ☀️

***r ***an

Wishing everyone a successful and positive year, in whatever form that may take!

For me, it’s continuing to enjoy the intimacies I have with existing friends and getting to know new friends ❤️

How about you??

***r ***an

Open relationships are often as judged as less serious than monogamous ones.

In fact, open relationships have equal levels of commitment and quality as monogamous ones.

Many open relationships actually have higher levels of communication than monogamous ones.

Let’s stop judging relationships by the structure of the partnership...extending this...let’s stop judging other people’s relationships altogether!

***r ***an

Have as many sexual experiences with as many people as you want, sexual purity doesn’t exist.

***r ***an

Sharing a new sexual experience with a partner can be a great way to bond emotionally and create new sexual energy.

However, there is a complete lack of education and resources available around how to safely navigate introducing new people into a relationship.

A recommended first step is to be as communicative as possible with your partner about what you may enjoy and not enjoy, and establish some boundaries.

Also consider asking friends about their experiences and do some research online. Perhaps think about speaking with a professional (e.g. counsellor, therapist, etc.) who may be able to give you guidance.

Also feel free to reach out to the Instagram community of Non-Monogamy advocates (including Open and Equal) who I’m sure would be delighted to help 🤗

***r ***an

We shouldn’t judge polyamorous and open relationships based on the culture monogamy has created.

***r ***an

“The gender equality that exists (at least ideally) between women and men distinguishes polyamory from many other forms of non monogamies, and this has important implications for where polyamory occurs in the world.”

“Most popular in Australia, Canada, the United States, and Western Europe, polyamory only flourishes where women can be the social equal of the men around them.”

“For many of my respondents, this translated to women actively pursuing the education and professional skills that allowed them to be financially self-sufficient, with or without male partners.”

Elizabeth Sheff, Phd and CEO and director @ Sheff Consulting Group - a think tank that specialises in unconventional and under served populations.

***r ***an

Many people in polyamorous and open relationships struggle in deciding whether to reveal their non-primary partner(s) to friends, family and colleagues.

They risk negative judgement, hurtful comments, and for some, the possibility of losing their job.

Have you ever received negative judgement towards your relationship?

***r ***an

Much stigma towards consensual non-monogamy is due to the misconception that alternative relationship structures have a negative impact on many facets of life.

Much research and many studies in fact show that open relationships and polyamory have equal impacts toward loyalty, happiness and childcare as monogamy!

***r ***an

People in non-monogamous relationships often report less emotional jealousy and spend less time trying to retain a partner.

This can reduce relationship conflicts and feelings of relationship constraints which can lead to greater quality of life.

Perhaps increased relationship freedom can increase well-being for some people?

***r ***an

Relationships with two people are considered absolutely fine, yet most people can't comprehend three people...why do you think this is?



https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2020/4/10/three-ways-look-throuples

Three Ways to Look at Throuples Our culture's judgment of triad relationships is pervasive, writes John Casey.