OPEN DOES NOT MEAN ANARCHY
The word “open” triggers strong reactions.
For many people, it conjures images of chaos, broken rules, or a complete absence of structure in relationships.
But that interpretation misses a crucial distinction.
Open does not have to mean open relationship. It can simply mean open to discussion.
The Fear Behind the Word
When people hear “open,” they often assume it implies the removal of boundaries. In reality, healthy openness requires more boundaries, not fewer. It requires clarity, agreement, and mutual understanding.
Monogamy is not a default that runs on autopilot. It is an agreement between two people. The same is true of any relationship structure. The strength of the relationship depends not on the label, but on the clarity of the agreements.
Why Discussion Matters
If you cannot discuss your boundaries, your expectations, and your definitions, then you are relying on assumption. Assumptions are fragile. They break under pressure.
Openness to discussion creates space for honesty. It allows both people to articulate what they want, what they fear, and what they expect. Even if the conclusion is reaffirming monogamy exactly as it stands, the act of discussing it strengthens the agreement.
Silence does not protect relationships. It weakens them.
Open to Discussion Is a Strength
Being open to discussion does not mean you will change your structure. It means you are willing to look at it together.
If you are unwilling to discuss the rules of your relationship, those rules will eventually be tested without clarity.
The healthiest relationships are not the ones that avoid hard conversations. They are the ones that invite them.
Watch the video for a deeper exploration of what “open” really means.
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