Heres how to do so in a way that is respectful of their time and energy.
There are a lot ofhow-to guidesfor opening up relationships.
Managing jealousy, setting boundaries, processing your feelings.
Well, good for them.
Theyre a person, too.
Then I, a single person, can decide if I feel like dealing with it or not.
Just last night, a man revealed to meduring our datethat he was in an open relationship.
He said he usually tells people before meeting them, but often theyll unmatch him after he mentions it.
There are folks out there who are cool with it.
Allow them to choose you with open eyes.
Dont Pull A Bait-And-Switch
I date men, women, and non-binary people.
This makes me, in emoji parlance, a unicorn.
Lots of couples on apps are looking for thirds.
Again, this is fine.
If Im interested, Im interested.
Not only is that deceitful, its probably blowing your chances.
No one captures this unicorn with a lasso of lies.
Just remember, thats not what your outside-the-relationship dates are necessarily doing.
Theyll be feeling bored.
Those questions are different for everyone.
It may lead to something more committed, supportive, and long-term.
The possibility is there.
When youre dating someone in an open relationship, your expectations are a little different.
However, were human, and romantic feelings can develop outside the rules.
Saying, You knew I was in a relationship all along!
is not a magic panacea that excuses all crappy behavior.
No commitment doesnt equal no compassion or respect.
This should also apply to the people youre dating outside your relationship.
After all, at the end of the night, youre going home.
Aimee Lutkin is a freelance writer whoblogs a lot about dating.
She is currently traveling the country and going on a date in every city she visits.
