It’s happened.
You’ve decided to pursue an open relationship. You’ve read all about the benefits of an open relationship and you’re partner is happily onboard.
But alas, what’s next?
If you’re here (and you are), the “what’s next” is an open relationship online community such as ours, or others. You’re about to embark on an open relationship dating website. And now you and yours want to better understand how it works, what best practices are, and how you’ll both find fun, companionship, and excitement from right where you are now.
Let’s get started.
Online dating is now an accepted, mainstay way that couples of all types meet. There’s the obvious positive aspect that is convenience, filtering, and safety. But on the flip side, there’s some downsides everyone must watch out for. Moreover, meeting someone online can be just as tricky as meeting someone in a bar.
Choosing The Right Platform
With online dating, it’s important to fully understand your dating objectives and match those as closely with the platform’s type as much as possible.
There’s the general dating sites such as Match, or others, which tend to cater to everyone. For those seeking less traditional open relationships, general dating sites tend to not have the infrastructure, or marketing to support niche dating styles. This means you’ll end up with less options, less serious options, no options, or people riding a trend thinking it will amount to a “fun time.”
Using a platform that supports the open relationship community, such as ours, is the best start.
You’ll find more people devoted to open relationships.
If you’re into general dating, join one of the massive general dating websites. But if you have a specific need, such as a desire to engage in open relationships, you’ll want to make sure your platform tailors to those needs.
Crafting Transparent Profiles
Open relationship dating is odd in the sense that it’s often two people pursuing a third person. This isn’t always the case. Clearly, that third person needs to come from somewhere; hence, there’s single guys and girls with profiles. There’s also other less traditional pursuits that involve multiple arrangements.
That said, sometimes a couple has their own profile. Sometimes each partner has their own profile. In the latter instance, given the core pillar of an open relationship is trust and transparency, it might be a good idea for each partner to have a transparent profile.
Now, there are some open relationships that are in the “do, but don’t tell” arrangement. While we support all styles of open relationships, around these parts, we’re mostly speaking towards the audience of people who choose an open relationship as a way to evolve their current relationship.
Moreover, if you’re in a “do, but don’t tell” relationship, you might not thrive as well on an open relationship dating site. People on open relationship community websites cherish trust and transparency.
We hope that didn’t sound “judgy.” That’s not what we mean. We’re just conveying honest points.
Transparent profiles mean that each partner is aware of the profiles and the ongoings of that profile. This keeps everything above board and leaves little to speculation.
Be Safe
It doesn’t matter what style of dating experiences you’re pursuing, safety should always be at the forefront of your aspirations. Just because you’re online doesn’t mean your insulated from the big, bad world.
The initial experiences involved in an online dating pursuit certainly can feel a bit overly safe. You’re home, messaging from safety. But eventually you’ll need to meet this person.
Here’s some online dating safety tips:
When You’re Still Online
- Profile Privacy: Limit the personal information you share on your profile. Avoid mentioning exact places of work, home address, or other identifying details.
- Secure Communication: Use the messaging system provided by the dating platform instead of immediately giving out personal phone numbers or email addresses.
- Beware of Scammers: Watch out for red flags, such as users asking for money, avoiding direct questions, or rushing intimacy.
- Research Your Date: Before meeting in person, consider checking their online presence on other social media platforms for consistency.
- Password Strength: Use strong, unique passwords for dating sites, and consider changing them regularly.
When You Meet
- Public Place: Always meet for the first time in a public place where there are plenty of people around.
- Inform Someone: Let a trusted friend or family member know where you’re going, with whom, and when you expect to be back.
- Own Transportation: Have your own mode of transportation. Avoid letting your date pick you up or drop you off at your home for the first few meetings.
- Stay Sober: Alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and potentially put you at risk. If you do choose to drink, limit your consumption.
- Keep Valuables Safe: Don’t leave personal items unattended, as they might contain personal information or be at risk of theft.
In an open relationship, these tips are even more important because often there’s two of you in pursuit. You may both live in the same residence.
Using an online dating website to pursue an open relationship can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Always stay true to yourself, adhere to safety protocols, and maintain the same transparency each partner agreed to in “real life.”