Everyone knows traditional between two people, a slow (or not so slow) escalation from meeting to a first date, that first kiss, etc. But what if that doesn’t work for someone? What if they don’t have the time for this and still need something? What if they are dating already and as a couple, they decide to spice things up? Is it worth it? Are there alternatives to dating that work?
Many people only see dating as the one thing where they go on a date with someone, then another, then another, until they become a couple and eventually get engaged and married. Others see it as something that is more permanent without leading to marriage while some see it more as a temporary thing they like to enjoy in small bursts. So, what alternatives are there for traditional dating?
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Sugar Daddy: This alludes to the relationship between a Sugar Daddy and his Sugar Baby. It can also be a Sugar Mama and her Sugar Baby. In these types of relationships, one person pays for some or all the expenses of the other person. The Sugar Baby is oftentimes much younger than their partner who basically pays for their companionship or trades expensive goods for this companionship. Not all Sugar Daddy relationships involve sex, but it is often central and a way for the paying partner to have sex with a very beautiful and young partner. This is something many frowns upon as it’s often a misunderstood situation from the outside.
Open Relationships: www.easysex.com is a great option for seeking open relationships. This is when partners decide that they can date other people while remaining a couple, married or not. This is an option that requires a lot of communication, support, and an open mind. For those in the open relationship and for those dating the people in this relationship. It’s not simply being a third wheel or a fourth wheel to a marriage. There are boundaries and each other relationship is different. Some only allow the partners to have one-night stands, others prefer for their partners to maintain a full relationship on the side while they have their own. Each open relationship has its own rules to work with and its own difficulties. Some people prefer dating people who are open marriages to avoid complications or attachments. For some, this is the way to being happy and it works for them either for a short period or for a long time.
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Affairs: As opposed to open relationships, these are when people in relationships see someone else on the side and their main partner is not aware. This is mostly frowned upon for obvious reasons.
Ménage à trois: When three people come to an agreement to have a relationship between all of them. This is where all partners are involved with all other others. Oftentimes, it is thought to be one man with two women or one woman with two men with the central partner being the only one who has the relationship with the other two where these two do not have a relationship beyond the bedroom at times. A proper ménage à trois is when all partners are dating and involved with each other in all aspects of life.
Polyamory: Often includes open relationships and ménage à trois, polyamory is when people date multiple others and are not necessarily tied to the main relationship. There are many ways to manage polyamory and in this type of relationship all partners are involved, validated, and accepted in their search for love and companionship. Polyamory is about respect and includes all types of non-monogamy. Each polyamory relationship is different and established by the partners in agreement with all of their needs.
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No Strings Attached: Where two people see each other from time to time to have sex and have no other attachments. This is something that works for a time for some and forever for others. Oftentimes though, one of the partners becomes attached and the situation needs to be ended. The entire point of NSA is that there is no love, no attachments while still having great sex with someone who is trusted.
Situationship: This term is newer and something many do not yet understand. A situationship is very much like a relationship but without the commitment from one or both of the partners. Often, a partner will think of the connection with the other partner as a relationship while the other will consider it a situationship where they are involved but keeping their options open. When both partners are in the same mind frame about the situationship, it can easily work fine, but if only one partner considers it so, there is some discussion needed.
One-Night Stands: Even fewer strings attached than No Strings Attached. This is plainly put sex with a stranger. While it works for some, for many the lack of connection makes it impossible or completely empty as an experience. These often start at bars or events and partners sometimes enter into them while under the influence of alcohol or loneliness. Some folks however go into it fully knowing what they are getting into and preferring these to any other types of relationships.
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These are but some of the types of relationships out there and many more exist with some being hybrids of the above. What is important in any and all relationships is that all parties involved know what they are getting into from the start and there is respect for all involved. The ultimate thing in any of these is that each partner finds the situation appropriate for themselves and that they know what they are getting into from the start. Yes, respect is the number one priority in any of these, but knowing what one is getting into is something that can make the difference between happiness and resentment in the future. So, no matter what your type of relationship is, as long as it’s entered into with a clear mind, a good understanding of what is involved, and respect, it can be a great relationship or whatever you decide to call it.
