Open vs Closed Relationships, Who Is Happier? The Data Is In!
Is it us, or does it seem like almost every gay relationship is now open? It used to be hush-hush as to who had an open relationship, and now it is just the norm. Some of us gays say having sex with other people actually saves their relationship. Others say that having an open relationship just causes jealousy and trust issues and prevents a deep bond between the two. Opponents of open relationships also say that couples are just not trying hard enough to make it work and just want to jump into bed with anyone. While we don't judge anyone's relationship, and, truth be told, we have been in many couples' bedrooms, we wanted to know which gay relationships are happier, open or closed?
Late last month, The Journal of Sex Research presented its findings from measuring satisfaction in romance and sex between those subscribing to monogamy or non-monogamy. Their research pulled data from 35 studies done in the US and across the globe to get a full picture of what was going on. What do you think they found out?
Well, overall, the study showed that the level of satisfaction remained the same between open and closed relationships, and that it didn't matter if the couples were LGBTQ or straight. We are all happy being sluts, we are all happy being romantic. This challenges the belief that those in closed relationships have closer bonds because they are just having sex with each other. It also challenges the idea that being able to fuck who you want makes you happier.
Through romance novels, media, and religious ideals, it is presented that monogamy is somehow superior. This just isn't that case. Different strokes for different folks, it all works out. Also, those in open or poly relationships sometimes feel judged or that their bond is seen as less than because they engage in outside activity.
A US study found that 21.9% of the population have been in an open relationship at some point. The rate is probably higher, but some couples are not open about their non-monogamy.
What the study boils down to is, romantic and sexual satisfaction with your partner is all about the companionship and communication. As long as couples are being honest with each other and are present when together, a bond is created whether or not the partner is having sex outside of the bedroom. It also comes down to a case-by-case. Some of us gays just can't handle knowing our boo is jumping on other dicks. Some of us gays can't deal with the idea that we can only have sex with the same hole over and over, although we make sure to come home every night for dinner.
You have to do what you feel is right, but the study shows that the level of satisfaction does not matter between open and closed relationships. This means we should stop judging non-monogamous relationships, and we also shouldn't assume closed relationships are boring in the bedroom.
Thoughts?
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