Mysty Mayhem, Women Writing the Weird
1. What insight about open relationships do you wish you had when you started?
It’s ok not to have the answers. My husband and I joke now that we are in Advanced Relationship Studies, and that when we began exploring 13 years ago we were in Relationships 101. It’s definitely a learning experience and should be treated as such. The opportunities for growth are endless, but you have to be willing to admit failure and learn from mistakes. There is no “right” way to be in an open relationship. You have to find what works for you and your partners. Also, communication communication communication.
2. What has been the hardest thing about opening your relationship, and how have you overcome that?
We have been open since the beginning, really. When he and I started dating, I had a grrlfriend and I was very honest about my desire to be physically with other people than him. He was raised in middle class white America with the model for Leave it to Beaver in his home life, so he was somewhat resistant at first. I was (and am) unapologetically Queer. Open communication was the key to our success. I don’t gloss over my needs and wants, I try to be very transparent. This helped him to understand not only WHAT I wanted, but WHY I wanted it.
3. What has been the best thing about your open relationship?
Building strong bonds with so many fabulous people, having a large, loving, caring support system to share my life with, learning more and more about my primary partner, growing emotionally, mentally, and sexually in ways that would have been impossible in a mono relationship. And the sex :)
4. Anything else you’d like to add?
Sugarbutch fucking rules. That is all.
Thanks for a really insightful article. I think that having an open relationship is something that could really benefit a lot of couples. Communication is everything, as you pointed out – if you keep talking to each other about your needs, wants, fantasies, then I don’t think you’ll go far wrong.
Keep up the great work!