Scientists Pinpoint The Key To Maintaining A Successful Open Relationship

Are you in an open relationship, and are you trying to make it work? Most people are conservative enough to stay away from such relationships. Others, who are open-minded enough, think that it is hard to make it work. Researchers dedicated their time and knowledge to uncover the secrets of an open relationship. Today, they say that it can work perfectly if it includes a perfect mixture of respect, openness, and communication.

Open relationships allow both partners to explore their sexuality outside of the traditional couple dynamics. It can occur in various ways. Open relationships allow a third individual to enter the mix to open up new windows and scenarios selectively. It also lets other partners join, but it always maintains the primary bond between the original couple.

Researchers have been exploring the topic for a long time. However, the experts at the University of Rochester have something more to add to the findings. They tried to determine the particulars of the dynamics that contribute to the success of an open relationship. The solution that came up with isn’t suitable for all those couples who follow the rules of such a bond. Only specific conditions will improve the success of a non-monogamous relationship. These researchers call these characteristics the “Triple-C model.” It includes mutual consent, comfort, and communication. The couples who declare their preferences openly, communicate their intentions properly, and feel comfortable in their relationship, are going to be successful.

The person who authored the study presented a statement. In it, he says, “We know that communication is helpful to all couples. However, it is critical for couples in non-monogamous relationships as they navigate the extra challenges of maintaining a non-traditional relationship in a monogamy-dominated culture.”

The risks that come with secrecy concerning sexual activity with others may lead to making a relationship toxic. The future of such a relationship will be full of feelings of neglect, rejection, insecurity, jealousy, and betrayal. It is pretty common even in a non-monogamous relationship.

Unless there is mutual consent, sexual activity with someone else besides the primary partner can easily lead to betrayal, misunderstandings, and cheating. The researchers strictly inform couples to follow the “Triple-C model.” If they communicate their consent comfortably, then their open relationship will survive. Otherwise, it will jeopardize or undermine the sanctity of the bond.

The study, of course, has its gaps and limitations. It focuses only on cross-sectional data and neglects the importance of tracking the relationship on a long-term basis. The authors also realized the fact that they gathered notes during their survey from one partner only. Hence, it is safe to conclude that the research was merely exploratory.