Breaking Down the Labels: 18 Misconceptions About Relationship Styles
In recent years, thanks to the rise of social media, people worldwide have realized that monogamy is not the only type of successful relationship. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions floating around making it hard to see things clearly. Knowing the truth can help us understand and respect different ways people connect. Here are some common myths about monogamy and open relationships that need to be cleared up.
There Is No Commitment In Open Relationships
We often associate open relationships with a general lack of commitment. This is because numerous couples choose this relationship structure when they have no romantic feelings toward the other person. However, as many successful open marriages show us, this is not always true.
People In Open Relationships Are Not Jealous
We often hear that monogamous couples can never have an open relationship because they are ‘too jealous.’ However, what differentiates these couples from those in open relationships is not the presence of jealousy but the will to deal with it without limiting your partner’s freedom.
Having Partners Outside Of Your Relationship Will Damage Your Love Story
While for some couples, this may be detrimental, when done with consent and awareness, having extra sexual partners may enhance your primary relationship. This is because it allows you to be fully yourself instead of pretending you don’t have a crush on your colleague.
People In Open Relationships Cannot Cheat
Just because you are in an open relationship, this doesn’t mean you are immune to cheating and betrayal. While we often associate this word with sexual intercourse outside of our primary relationship, cheating is truly about betraying your partner’s trust or not keeping your word. For instance, you may have agreed with your partner to always tell each other whenever going on a date with someone else and fail to do so.
People In Open Relationships Do It All The Time
Just because people are in open relationships, it doesn’t mean they constantly have or think about being physical all the time. Those in these sorts of relationships don’t necessarily have a higher libido and may spend years having intercourse only with their primary partner.
Open Relationships Never Work
Open relationships don’t fail because this structure inherently doesn’t work but because one of the two people involved decides to say yes to it without being fully convinced. For instance, you may accept being in an open relationship, even though you don’t like the idea, for fear of being dumped. The same happens to monogamous people all the time, which is why so many people cheat.
Open Relationships Are Only For Young People
Open relationships aren’t just for the young crowd. People of all ages can be in open relationships. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to exploring different relationship styles that fit your values and desires. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, an open relationship can be a fulfilling option for anyone.
You Can Fix A Struggling Relationship By Opening It
Unfortunately, many couples open their relationships as a last attempt to avoid breaking up. The truth is that seeing your partner dating other people can be quite challenging, especially at the beginning. If you want to open your marriage, only do so if you fully trust each other.
Open Relationships Are More Complicated
A lot of people assume that open relationships are more difficult because you’re dealing with more than one partner, but that’s not always the case. Every relationship, whether it’s open or monogamous, has its own ups and downs. Open relationships can run smoothly if there’s good communication and clear boundaries, just like monogamous ones do when both people understand each other.
Monogamy Exists In Nature
This may sound crazy to most, but true monogamy, known as genetic monogamy, is extremely rare in nature. This term refers to animal pairs having sexual intercourse exclusively with their partner. While individual pairs may be genetically monogamous, this social behavior has never been observed in an entire species.
Monogamy Means You’ll Never Feel Lonely
Many believe that being in a monogamous relationship means you’ll never feel lonely, but that’s not always the case. Even in committed relationships, loneliness can happen if both partners don’t make an effort to stay emotionally connected. Spending meaningful time together, having open conversations, and supporting each other are what really help you feel close and connected.
Monogamous Couples Are More Stable
Think of all the marriages that end in divorce because of cheating, betrayal, or other reasons. Unlike monogamy, open relationships don’t necessarily terminate because one partner gets a crush or falls in love with someone else. Both types of relationships may last decades or end in a few months.
People Who Truly Love Are Jealous
So many movies and songs suggest jealousy is a positive emotion — it is a sign of true love. But is this the case, really? Jealousy is often associated with a lack of trust in one’s partner and feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. It doesn’t just come up all of a sudden. A lot of things add up to these feelings.
People In Monogamous Relationships Don’t Find Others Attractive
While some may disagree, most people in monogamous relationships will still be attracted to friends and co-workers. Having a crush on someone while being married doesn’t mean you are no longer in love with your spouse; it’s a natural phenomenon that happens to most of us.
Monogamous Couples Are Less Jealous
People often associate open relationships with higher levels of jealousy, but monogamous couples are not immune to this feeling. You may feel jealous whenever your partner hangs out with his new attractive colleague or whenever he puts a like to a post of a female friend. When this happens, always talk it through with your partner.
Monogamy Guarantees Happiness
A lot of people think that being in a monogamous relationship guarantees happiness, but that’s not always the case. Just like any other type of relationship, monogamy takes work, good communication, and compromise. It’s unrealistic to think it’ll fix all your problems. Whether you’re in a monogamous or open relationship, both come with challenges that need constant attention and effort.
Monogamy Is Easier To Manage
Every relationship, whether monogamous or open, takes effort and dedication. Thinking monogamy is simpler ignores the real complexities of keeping a partnership healthy. Both types need good communication, hard work, and understanding. The important thing is finding what works best for you and your partner.
It’s All About Mutual Understanding
In the end, whether you go for a monogamous or open relationship, it comes down to mutual understanding and honest communication with your partner. Talk openly about your needs, boundaries, and expectations to keep your relationship with your partner healthy and happy.
More For You
Don’t let these stress factors ruin your marriage. Identifying these signs early can help you resolve the conflicts and strengthen your bond with your partner.
This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.
