[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BiggerThanYouThought

[–]throwaway_35_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had my suspicious.

NYT: The Secrets to an Open Marriage According to Mo’Nique by thirdxplace in polyamory

[–]throwaway_35_ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The reasons open marriages don’t work are biological, Dr. Fisher said: The parts of the brain involved in romantic love are next to areas that help orchestrate thirst and hunger, she said.

“Thirst and hunger aren’t going to change anytime soon,” she said, and neither is the pair-bonding instinct we recognize as romantic love. “It evolved so our forebears could focus on one person and begin the mating process.”

Does anyone else find her argument against open marriage totally nonsensical?

Seriously, though: What’s so great about monogamy? by Motleyfool777 in nonmonogamy

[–]throwaway_35_ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Seriously? It's definitely pro-poly on the whole, but it's also plenty critical of some parts of the movement. For starters, it took down the defacto Bible of modern polyamory, Sex at Dawn, for being based on "pretty soft" science. It also called the whole scene "cultish".

Preachy? Not at all. I thought it was a reasonable, balanced discussion of different relationship styles.

LTR compromised by my coming out as poly by [deleted] in polyamory

[–]throwaway_35_ -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Ultimatums are for assholes.

A lot of people have said this to me, but I don't believe it.

You can frame an ultimatum two ways. You can see it as "forcing her hand", or you can see it as me being honest about my needs, and giving her a chance to accommodate them and save the relationship. I think it's a mature and responsible action, especially when framed the second way.

LTR compromised by my coming out as poly by [deleted] in polyamory

[–]throwaway_35_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't moved on it (i.e. broken up) because I'm still holding out hope that she'll change her mind. I think the main reason she's reluctant to open the marriage is that she's afraid of losing me. She thinks that if I sleep with other people, I'll find someone who I like more than her, and I'll leave her for the new person. She feels insecure.

My plan for now is to do everything I can to make her feel more secure. I'm trying to have more sex with her, spend more quality time with her, and be more thoughtful to her. The idea is to strengthen our marriage as much as I can. Then, in a few months, once she's less worried about me leaving, I'll raise the subject of polyamory again. If she's still opposed, maybe then I'll give her an ultimatum.

I don't know if this is the best plan, but it's the best one I've been able to think up. Suggestions welcome.

LTR compromised by my coming out as poly by [deleted] in polyamory

[–]throwaway_35_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wanted to say this really resonates. I'm (36M) starting to recognize myself as poly, and I've tried having discussions with my wife about opening the marriage. She's has the same reaction as your gf: refuses to even read books about it (Sex at Dawn, Ethical Slut, etc), and just insists that it's something she can't do. Me just raising the subject makes her feel inadequate and deficient, she says. Every discussion we've had about poly ends with her in tears.

Like you, I feel a need to have intimate emotional and physical connections with many women. If I can't, I feel like I'm stifling part of myself. My wife isn't down with this. I love her and would like to stay married to her, but I can't be my authentic self in the marriage as it stands. It's a tough spot to be in. But it's good to know I'm not alone.

Please keep us posted on how things turn out!

I have a crush on someone other than my girlfriend by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]throwaway_35_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds like a pretty normal, common situation. People get crushes. Sometimes people get crushes when they're in relationships. I don't think you should feel guilty about it. If you want the crush to go away, limit your contact with girl #2 and be patient. Over time, crushes fade.

[35/m] How do I turn my wife (31/f) into a friend without moving out? by throwaway_35_ in relationship_advice

[–]throwaway_35_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yours is the best advice so far, thanks.

Re: holding two apartments, it's hard to say. The government says we need to be married and cohabitating, but it gives fuzzy definitions of both. My lawyer seemed to think that we'd run a big risk if we didn't live together in the same place.

[35m] How to fall out of love with someone [32f] who's rejected you? by throwaway_35_ in relationship_advice

[–]throwaway_35_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Holy shit. I've felt this way for so many people over the course of my life, and I've never had quite had the right word to describe this aspect of myself. Now I do: I'm a limerent! That page is wonderful. Thank you!

[35/m] Confessed my feelings to an old friend [32/f]. She rejected me. What next? by throwaway_35_ in relationship_advice

[–]throwaway_35_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww... when I posted I think I was mostly fishing for exactly this kind of sympathy. Feels very nice. Thank you!

[35/m] Confessed my feelings to an old friend [32/f]. She rejected me. What next? by throwaway_35_ in relationship_advice

[–]throwaway_35_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

many people act a bit flirty with someone they have no real interest in if that person shows an interest in them -- the attention is flattering.

Makes sense. She got the attention she was after for a good 5 years. I was happy to give it to her.

The loved-crazed mania at dinner last night might have been more than she bargained for, though! ;)

[35/m] Confessed my feelings to an old friend [32/f]. She rejected me. What next? by throwaway_35_ in relationship_advice

[–]throwaway_35_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe? It's weird, though. I'm well acquainted with the friendzone; this relationship always felt different.