"Non-exclusive relationships" = who believes in these?
By maezee
@maezee (41997)
United States
December 17, 2009 5:39pm CST
I don't know how I feel about "non-exclusive relationships". It got me thinking about them when I was reading a book ("Chasing Harry Winston" - I just started a discussion about it here: http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/2206590.aspx), and I honestly don't really understand it. I always thought that the point of a relationship was to be exclusive with one and other. Otherwise, can you really call it a relationship, to begin with? Or is it just a friends with benefits situation then?
2 people like this
8 responses
@olisaur (1922)
• United States
18 Dec 09
I think "non-exclusive relationships" are just products of people with poor boundaries, and people that fear emotional close-ness- they don't want to be alone and yet don't want to or don't know how to have meaningful relationships with a significant other.
@amandaauc (82)
• United States
18 Dec 09
I agree. The point of a relationship is to be exclusive... If it's not exclusive, then it sounds like friends with benefits...
@madteaparty (2748)
• Japan
18 Dec 09
I don't believe in non-exclusive relationships either. That means that either one or both of the people in the relationship are not serious about it. If it's like that is better not to call it a relationship and just go on fooling around without a boyfriend or girlfriend.
@fsll518 (304)
• China
18 Dec 09
It is true that in a relationship, 2 people must be unique to each other and dedicate exclusively to each other.
However, people should never take it in an extreme way. They still can have friends and their personal hobbies etc. A good relationship should be based on mutual respect and happiness, instead of being restricted by each other.
Personally, I was quite extreme, but through communicating with my GF, I started to realize that people need some "personal space" even if they love each other deeply.
@mutou5658 (5)
• China
18 Dec 09
We should be responseble for ourselves.If a relationship is constructed without feelings in it ,we do not call it relationship . It is just a indulgence ,and hurt yourself deeply.
@joseph_jedidiah (130)
• Philippines
18 Dec 09
Friends, there is no real relationship that can blossom apart from Jesus. If we dont know the love and how Jesus loves, then it is not possible that anyone can love someone in its real sense. Jesus said, apart from me, you can do nothing." - John 15
The standing and strength of our relationship with the people around us is dependent on our relationship with God. Meaning, if Jesus is not in us, then we cannot love people around us with sincerity. All love which does not arise from the type of love that Jesus revealed, are just lust and will never last.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
18 Dec 09
I think it is kind of both Friends with benifits and a non exclusive relationship. I sort of did it once for a short time. I had just gotten out of a bad relationship and I did not want to get serious with anyone. I saw this one guy once a week or so but I dated other people too and he could do the same. The whole thing did not last very long. It was more of self loathing thing brought on by a broken heart, then I got my self respect back.
@Apple3Cranberry (678)
• United States
18 Dec 09
non exclusive relationships are very hurtful. they don't get along with your best interest. they hurt because they tear the seems of what a relationship is. a relationship is a bond and a decision. if the decision is broken, then the relationship is not there. many relationships are broken this way. that is why we must agree on things, or simply keep communicating, or simply be compatable with each other to keep a relationship. some relationships are horrible because there is no communication. expressing yourself is good, and if one is stifled it can not be good. so in a relationship even having a place of your own is a plus.
