i'm not sure if this has already been an issue before but i completely clueless as to how someone goes about having an "open"relationship. i guess i should give some background info on my situation. my b/f and i are trying to figure out a way get out of our rut. we do the same thing every time we get together: go to the movies, go to a bar or out to eat. there seems to be nothing to do where we are from. anyway we love each other that much we know but we are so bored with what we are doing, its sort of causing us to bicker about absolutely nothing. my thoughts were drifting to: should we date other people to see what else is out there or would that be way too destructive? how would everyone else feel if this was their situation?

If you both our willing to give this a chance to work things out..then go for it.

How about a nice weekend out of town, do something you never have before.. Look into hobbies that you could do together.
Be open about what you both feel that is missing.

If it all fails maybe it is time to move on, but I think every relationship goes through this.

How long have you been dating?

Oh, dating other people works out great IF:

1. You BOTH find people that you REALLY like AT THE SAME TIME.

2. The other people you're seeing know the situation and have NO problems with it.

3. No one is going to get attached to the other.

4. Both of you either decide to "move on" or stop being "open" AT THE SAME TIME.

Yup, work out those 4 simple little details, and you can have a simple and productive "open" relationship.

Sure . . .

My advice is to find a NEW hobby that both of you can participate in. My wonderful lady and I share about everything with regards to hobbies (including her daughter on a couple of them!) so we're NEVER bored. It really helps.

Taking a vacation SOUNDS good, but, eh, it's just a painkiller and not a cure.

Oh, and this IS important, if you don't feel motivated to try new things, the relationship is over. It doesn't mean that much to you, so why bother?

I've never known an open relationship to do anything but kill existing relationships. One word: JEALOUSY. Sure it sounds like a good idea to let your b/f sleep with someone elase. Afterwards though, when ya'll are together, will you be ABSOLUTELY sure he's thinking about you and not her? Vice versa? Ithink its a VERY bad idea. I do speak from experience. You've got to rediscover what it is you love about each other. Think about when you first got together. What was different? Why did it change? Look very closely at your relationship and try to deal with the problems that are there. If you can't then move on.

we've been together for 2 years

i am thinking though i am not normally a jealous person i think having an open relationship will bring out that bit that does hide. i can't see myself wanting to know that he has been with someone else. plus i have been looking around campus and i do not find anyone attractive (sorry i'm a tad picky) enough want to say "hey baby lets hook up" my heart really doesn't seem into having an open realtionship...but i will try out the hobbies things...try to find something we would both enjoy.

i'm thinking we will work out

I'm with JW . . . I wouldn't even consider an "open" relationship.

In my opinion, open relationships just lead to stress. I can't help it, I just start feeling jealous, and that's never good for a relationship. I would advocate taking a break from each other for awhile instead. During that time you can each evaluate your feelings for one another and try to decide where you want your relationship to go. You can reconvene after about a week, and if you missed each other, great, but if things were okay while you were apart, maybe it's time to move on.

break up then go back out.. that seems to work.. :) j/k

try something different before you start seeing others.. and make sure if you do your in an agreement..