Navigating Open Relationships: Communication Tips for LGBTQ+ Couples
Strong communication is the pillar of all healthy relationships. Irrespective of how you identify or what your sexual orientation is, you need to be more open and communicative in your relationship for it to be a healthy partnership.
If you’re an LGBTQ+ couple looking to expand your relationship horizons by opening up your relationship or you’re already in an open relationship, this article will provide advice on how you can navigate an open relationship with strong communication.
What’s An Open Relationship?
An open relationship is a consensual agreement between two people who are in a relationship. Instead of subscribing to the norms of a monogamous relationship, an open relationship encourages both parties to experience physical intimacy and sexual interests outside of their primary partnership.
Whether you want to express your sexuality by being with a person of a different gender than you’re with right now, or want to be a male escort, an open relationship gives you opportunities to explore things outside of the bedroom while staying in a committed relationship with your primary partner.
If you’re a part of the queer community and are getting ready to open up your relationship, here are some communication tips for you.
5 Ways To Strengthen Your Communication in an Open Relationship: LGBTQ+ Edition
Establishing A Foundation
Most of the LGBTQ+ couples open up their relationship to new experiences only after establishing a very strong foundation. Once you’re comfortable with your partner and in your relationship, and you want to understand your sexuality better, you should bring up the topic of open relationship to the table.
Unrelenting trust and top-notch communication are non-negotiable when it comes to open relationships and enhancing your intimate relationship. You and your partner need to be strong together in order to navigate the labyrinth of open relationships. So define why you want to open up your relationship.
Is it because you want to discover something new but stay with your partner, or are you looking for a new relationship altogether? Being honest with yourself and your partner will make the experience so much better and will bring you closer to each other.
Setting Boundaries and Expectations
Every person’s wants and needs are different, even when you’re in a committed relationship. That’s why it’s crucial to open up your relationship only when you have set boundaries and clear expectations regarding what the relationship will look like.
For instance, if you’re a bisexual man in a relationship with a woman, your boundaries might look very different when it comes to an open relationship, that’s why setting boundaries before you start anything is an important aspect of a successful LGBTQ+ relationship.
Maybe you want to keep your encounters with other people more casual, while your partner wants to explore long-term secondary relationships. Discussing what you will allow and what’s not acceptable will save both you and your partner from hurt and confusion down the road.
Finding Shared Experiences
Many open relationships allow for both partners to explore their sexuality through shared experiences. Maybe you both want to hire a male escort for a romantic evening, or you want to focus on a new sexual encounter that you both have been wondering about.
Trying new things through an open relationship will certainly make you two grow closer, build trust in the relationship, and ensure transparency regarding expectations and reaffirm your boundaries.
This can be a great opportunity to learn more about your partner’s unconventional sexual interests and comfort level. This can improve your sex life and can help you be on the same page as your partner regarding where your relationship is heading.
Focusing on Emotional Connection
It’s important to remember that your primary partner’s emotions are intertwined with you. This means that even if your relationship is open to new sexual experiences, being each other’s emotional support is still of essence.
By actively listening to your partner, communicating attentively, and being empathetic towards the needs and wants of your partner, you can make your open relationship an opportunity to become emotionally close with your partner. It will also help you deepen your relationship as you choose to explore new avenues of intimacy together.
Being there for each other and always choosing each other is important for an emotional connection that prioritizes your commitment even in an open relationship.
Navigating Difficult Emotions Together
It’s one thing to say yes to an open relationship, and an entirely other thing to navigate your emotions when insecurities hit. Even if you and your partner are extremely secure in your commitment to each other and want to spend the rest of your life together, it’s natural to wonder where you stand once more people are added into your relationship.
That’s when it’s more important to face the feelings of jealousy and anxiety head on and most importantly, as a team. You must communicate with your partner about how you’re feeling and have regular conversations and check-ins to see how the other person feels about the nature of your relationship.
If an open relationship is starting to get in the way of your primary relationship, it might be time to sit down and have a conversation regarding your feelings and priorities. Being able to depend on your partner and share feelings of insecurities can help you re-evaluate your needs and wants and make an informed decision together.
Final Thoughts
Being in an open relationship comes with its own set of pros and cons. While it can be a healthy way to explore your sexuality while staying in an emotionally fulfilling relationship, especially as a queer couple, it can also be draining if it’s not preceded by healthy communication, respect, and love.
That’s why it’s essential to establish a strong foundation, set healthy boundaries, find shared experiences, stay emotionally connected, and navigate the insecurities that might come up together.
The tips given above are just a starting point for couples looking to explore open relationships. By focusing on your experience, and understanding your needs and wants, you can personalize your open relationship the way you want. Just remember to stay abreast of any issues that might come up and make your partner feel secure in your connection.
