Background: I'm a male in my mid-twenties, and I've been in a relationship with my current girlfriend (also in her mid-twenties) for about two years now. Everything is going well. We are happy, have a great sex life, and have very little conflict in our lives. We have no kids, property, or marriages to worry about.
I've had non-monogamous feelings for pretty much my entire adult life, and I've dealt with that with serial monogamy. I'm done repressing my honest feelings, though, and I've spent the last couple months researching and reading all about how to have happy and healthy non-monogamous relationships.
In a few weeks, I plan on having a serious talk with my girlfriend about my feelings. In preparation, I wrote up something of a script for me to follow when I start the conversation. I want to be clear that I love her, will continue to love her, and have no intention on leaving her or cheating.
Could you all read through my script, and let me know if you think anything should be tweaked, added, or removed? Any advice would be appreciated.
I've had non-monogamous feelings for pretty much my entire adult life, and I've dealt with that with serial monogamy. I'm done repressing my honest feelings, though, and I've spent the last couple months researching and reading all about how to have happy and healthy non-monogamous relationships.
In a few weeks, I plan on having a serious talk with my girlfriend about my feelings. In preparation, I wrote up something of a script for me to follow when I start the conversation. I want to be clear that I love her, will continue to love her, and have no intention on leaving her or cheating.
Could you all read through my script, and let me know if you think anything should be tweaked, added, or removed? Any advice would be appreciated.
Preface:
First and foremost, I love you. I want to continue to be with you, and I’ve only grown more attracted to you as a person as I’ve known you longer.
I find you attractive physically, sexually, psychologically, and emotionally. I think we have a connection that is very rarely found between two people.
I love you for who you are, and I only want the best for you, me, and us. You’ve made enormous steps forward in making your life better, and I admire you and your courage.
I want you, I love you, and I’m pretty sure you feel the same way towards me. Under no circumstance should this discussion be construed as a desire to break-up or become less attached. Quite the opposite, in fact.
I’m using this script-of-sorts as a way of opening up a discussion for us. I’m not making demands or expecting anything to change overnight. This is as sincere and open as I can possibly be, and I have gone to great lengths to think this through. I’m presenting these ideas to you in the hopes that you’ll understand where I’m coming from.
This is not an indictment of you and your choices, me and my choices, or the quality of our relationship. I am actually quite pleased with how our physical and emotional relationship has continued to grow. I’m having the best sex of my life with you, and I feel like we’re closer than ever as a couple.
My desires:
As you’re well aware, I am extremely sexually aroused at the idea of sex with multiple people. Our shared sexual exploration and fantasy-play has lead me to believe that this is a turn-on for you too.
Instead of feeling jealous when I think about you with another man or woman, I feel what is called “compersion.” I wasn’t familiar with the word until recently, so I won’t assume you know the definition either. Fundamentally, compersion is the opposite of jealousy. It’s an appreciation of the happiness of other people. When I think of you fucking another person, it’s a turn on. Period. I don’t feel jealously like I’m told I’m supposed to feel.
I, too, find the idea of having sex with other women extremely arousing. I find the idea of having group sex arousing. I am aroused at the idea of watching you have sex.
Under no circumstance will I ever consider cheating a viable action. Lying and going behind my loved one’s back is the opposite of how I live my life. It’s unethical, disgusting, and demeaning to everyone involved.
I’m aware of how poorly your attempt went in a previous relationship to bring another girl into the equation. I’m aware we have both expressed concerns about non-monogamous sex before. I’m aware of what our society expects from relationships and sex. Still, my desires haven’t subsided in the least, so I went looking for answers.
My research:
Despite being told over and over again by supposed experts that exclusively monogamous coupling is the only healthy kind of relationship, I knew deep down that can’t be right. Instead of rashly jumping to conclusions, I started looking at the information available. There are many resources to pull from, and I’ve tried to absorb as much information as possible.
I’ve read three wonderful books talking about human sexuality, and they have opened my eyes and heart to the possibility that humans can, in fact, have many meaningful sexual relationships without sacrificing anything.
First, I read Opening Up by Tristan Taormino. This book focuses mainly on realizing that you have specific sexual desires for multiple sexual and/or relationship configurations, and how to deal with that in your environment.
Next, I read The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy. This book talks all about the feelings and realities about being sexually open in any configuration. It’s extremely well written, and helped me come to terms with my feelings.
Thirdly, I read Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá. This provides a scientific explanation about human sexuality and evolution. This was the nail in the coffin for me. Humans don’t have to be exclusively monogamous to be happy. What other supposed sex experts have been saying isn’t actually based in fact. The idea that human beings can only be happy and healthy in monogamous pairings is patently false, and there is massive amounts of evidence to prove it. After reading Sex at Dawn, I knew for sure this was what felt right for me.
In addition, I also listened to real world experiences with non-monogamy on the podcasts “Life on the Swingset” and “Pedestrian Polyamory.” It was very heartening to hear from regular people who feel the same way that I do.
While problems obviously still exist for people practicing non-monogamy, following your heart, and being completely open about your feelings to your loved ones are the only ways to find happiness and fulfillment.
My requests:
Before we start to make any sort of agreements or decisions, I want to hear about your concerns. Your feelings matter to me. I want you to be completely honest, and hopefully I will be able to respond intelligently about any specific questions you have.
Next, I ask that you read the three books that I did: Opening Up, The Ethical Slut, and Sex at Dawn. These books are filled to the brim with answers and information, and I think it’s important to use these resources before making any decisions about our way forward. I already own them in audiobook form, but I’d be happy to buy them in any format you prefer.
I encourage us to have multiple discussions about this topic, and I’m completely willing to see your therapist if you so choose. Nothing needs to happen right now, and I don’t want to pressure you into anything you’re not comfortable with. All I ask is that you have an open mind, speak honestly with me, and take this slowly with your hand placed firmly in mine.
First and foremost, I love you. I want to continue to be with you, and I’ve only grown more attracted to you as a person as I’ve known you longer.
I find you attractive physically, sexually, psychologically, and emotionally. I think we have a connection that is very rarely found between two people.
I love you for who you are, and I only want the best for you, me, and us. You’ve made enormous steps forward in making your life better, and I admire you and your courage.
I want you, I love you, and I’m pretty sure you feel the same way towards me. Under no circumstance should this discussion be construed as a desire to break-up or become less attached. Quite the opposite, in fact.
I’m using this script-of-sorts as a way of opening up a discussion for us. I’m not making demands or expecting anything to change overnight. This is as sincere and open as I can possibly be, and I have gone to great lengths to think this through. I’m presenting these ideas to you in the hopes that you’ll understand where I’m coming from.
This is not an indictment of you and your choices, me and my choices, or the quality of our relationship. I am actually quite pleased with how our physical and emotional relationship has continued to grow. I’m having the best sex of my life with you, and I feel like we’re closer than ever as a couple.
My desires:
As you’re well aware, I am extremely sexually aroused at the idea of sex with multiple people. Our shared sexual exploration and fantasy-play has lead me to believe that this is a turn-on for you too.
Instead of feeling jealous when I think about you with another man or woman, I feel what is called “compersion.” I wasn’t familiar with the word until recently, so I won’t assume you know the definition either. Fundamentally, compersion is the opposite of jealousy. It’s an appreciation of the happiness of other people. When I think of you fucking another person, it’s a turn on. Period. I don’t feel jealously like I’m told I’m supposed to feel.
I, too, find the idea of having sex with other women extremely arousing. I find the idea of having group sex arousing. I am aroused at the idea of watching you have sex.
Under no circumstance will I ever consider cheating a viable action. Lying and going behind my loved one’s back is the opposite of how I live my life. It’s unethical, disgusting, and demeaning to everyone involved.
I’m aware of how poorly your attempt went in a previous relationship to bring another girl into the equation. I’m aware we have both expressed concerns about non-monogamous sex before. I’m aware of what our society expects from relationships and sex. Still, my desires haven’t subsided in the least, so I went looking for answers.
My research:
Despite being told over and over again by supposed experts that exclusively monogamous coupling is the only healthy kind of relationship, I knew deep down that can’t be right. Instead of rashly jumping to conclusions, I started looking at the information available. There are many resources to pull from, and I’ve tried to absorb as much information as possible.
I’ve read three wonderful books talking about human sexuality, and they have opened my eyes and heart to the possibility that humans can, in fact, have many meaningful sexual relationships without sacrificing anything.
First, I read Opening Up by Tristan Taormino. This book focuses mainly on realizing that you have specific sexual desires for multiple sexual and/or relationship configurations, and how to deal with that in your environment.
Next, I read The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy. This book talks all about the feelings and realities about being sexually open in any configuration. It’s extremely well written, and helped me come to terms with my feelings.
Thirdly, I read Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá. This provides a scientific explanation about human sexuality and evolution. This was the nail in the coffin for me. Humans don’t have to be exclusively monogamous to be happy. What other supposed sex experts have been saying isn’t actually based in fact. The idea that human beings can only be happy and healthy in monogamous pairings is patently false, and there is massive amounts of evidence to prove it. After reading Sex at Dawn, I knew for sure this was what felt right for me.
In addition, I also listened to real world experiences with non-monogamy on the podcasts “Life on the Swingset” and “Pedestrian Polyamory.” It was very heartening to hear from regular people who feel the same way that I do.
While problems obviously still exist for people practicing non-monogamy, following your heart, and being completely open about your feelings to your loved ones are the only ways to find happiness and fulfillment.
My requests:
Before we start to make any sort of agreements or decisions, I want to hear about your concerns. Your feelings matter to me. I want you to be completely honest, and hopefully I will be able to respond intelligently about any specific questions you have.
Next, I ask that you read the three books that I did: Opening Up, The Ethical Slut, and Sex at Dawn. These books are filled to the brim with answers and information, and I think it’s important to use these resources before making any decisions about our way forward. I already own them in audiobook form, but I’d be happy to buy them in any format you prefer.
I encourage us to have multiple discussions about this topic, and I’m completely willing to see your therapist if you so choose. Nothing needs to happen right now, and I don’t want to pressure you into anything you’re not comfortable with. All I ask is that you have an open mind, speak honestly with me, and take this slowly with your hand placed firmly in mine.
. 
