Many of us in monogamous relationships could learn a few things from those in polyamorous relationships. Instead of trying to fulfil all your partner’s needs, consider outsourcing a few.
Psychology Today shared a few tips that monogamous couples could learn from people in a polyamorous relationship. We can’t do everything for our partners, so we should let other people take on some of those roles:
We expect so much from our partners. We want them to be our best friend, our confidant, our lover, caretaker, and a number of other things all at once. This isn’t possible to get from one person. Find other people to meet some of those needs. Lifting some of the weight from your partner can provide more room to be good at just a couple of those things. Do you love to play tennis but your partner hates it and only does it for you? Find another tennis buddy. Could some of your emotional needs be met by a good friend or family member? Let them play a larger role.
They don’t have to be sexual or romantic partners, of course. By letting others take on some of those responsibilities, you’ll be free to focus on what’s important in your relationship.
Check out the link for some other lessons that monogamous couples can learn from polyamorous relationships.
Stay Monogamous Using Polyamorous Principles [Psychology Today]
Comments
2 responses to “You Can’t Be All Things To Your Partner, So Stop Trying”
It’s really nice to see Lifehacker not conforming to the traditional paradigm of what a couple is.
I think it would be nicer if people didn’t feel the need to even comment on it, and just accept it as it is.
i think it would be even nicer if people weren’t so uptight and just accept a compliment without trying to turn it into something else.