Wow! Thank you Julie for this super interesting content! I have been listening to Esther Perel over the last year or so and am in awe of her wisdom! In casual conversations with friends on this topic (although I have never used the term CRD) we often agree that there are many constellations for intimacy that do not seem to align with our current emotional capabilities to explore these other possibilities. Someone invariably will say something like ,”I have never met a couple who have had a successful open relationship”. But your article is clear: CRD is not only possible but also a doorway into the evolution of human intimacy and next level communication. The idea is scary but certainly intriguing!
Thank you so much for your insightful comments, Colin. :)) It's heartening to see your openness and curiosity towards Conscious Relationship Design (CRD) and the complexities of different intimacy constellations, such as ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. I appreciate your engagement with the ideas presented, especially in light of your appreciation for Esther Perel's impactful work. :)
Your point about the common skepticism surrounding the success of open relationships is quite relevant. Interestingly, this skepticism often stems from a lack of visible examples or a misunderstanding of what success in such relationships looks like. It's crucial to acknowledge that successful relationships, open or otherwise, can vary greatly in their dynamics and expressions. Fortunately, some models of successful alternative relationship models are hitting in the mainstream - including in cinema and places like Netflix.
Recent studies have indeed shed more light on non-monogamous relationships, challenging some of the prevalent misconceptions. For instance, research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that individuals in consensual non-monogamous relationships experience levels of satisfaction with their primary partners that are comparable to those in monogamous partnerships. This finding suggests that the success and satisfaction in a relationship are not solely determined by its structure but by the depth of understanding, communication, and mutual respect shared by the partners involved.
For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, you might like one of my earlier articles, "Beyond Monogamy: An Introduction to Ethical Non-Monogamous Relationships", available here - https://hitpause.substack.com/p/beyond-monogamy-an-introduction-to. This piece delves into the nuances of various relationship models and their implications, offering a broader perspective on what successful relationships can look like.
Your comment underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and exploration in understanding the evolving landscape of human relationships. The realm of polyamory and CRD is indeed vast and multifaceted, and I'm glad to see it piquing interest and sparking meaningful discussions. :))
If you'd like to delve deeper into the research mentioned, the study "Reasons for sex and relational outcomes in consensually nonmonogamous and monogamous relationships: A self-determination theory approach" is accessible here - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0265407517743082. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of non-monogamous relationships, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of relationship satisfaction.
Thank you once again for your thoughtful engagement. :)) I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and experiences as you continue to explore these fascinating aspects of modern relationships.
Wow! Thank you Julie for this super interesting content! I have been listening to Esther Perel over the last year or so and am in awe of her wisdom! In casual conversations with friends on this topic (although I have never used the term CRD) we often agree that there are many constellations for intimacy that do not seem to align with our current emotional capabilities to explore these other possibilities. Someone invariably will say something like ,”I have never met a couple who have had a successful open relationship”. But your article is clear: CRD is not only possible but also a doorway into the evolution of human intimacy and next level communication. The idea is scary but certainly intriguing!
Thank you so much for your insightful comments, Colin. :)) It's heartening to see your openness and curiosity towards Conscious Relationship Design (CRD) and the complexities of different intimacy constellations, such as ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. I appreciate your engagement with the ideas presented, especially in light of your appreciation for Esther Perel's impactful work. :)
Your point about the common skepticism surrounding the success of open relationships is quite relevant. Interestingly, this skepticism often stems from a lack of visible examples or a misunderstanding of what success in such relationships looks like. It's crucial to acknowledge that successful relationships, open or otherwise, can vary greatly in their dynamics and expressions. Fortunately, some models of successful alternative relationship models are hitting in the mainstream - including in cinema and places like Netflix.
Recent studies have indeed shed more light on non-monogamous relationships, challenging some of the prevalent misconceptions. For instance, research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that individuals in consensual non-monogamous relationships experience levels of satisfaction with their primary partners that are comparable to those in monogamous partnerships. This finding suggests that the success and satisfaction in a relationship are not solely determined by its structure but by the depth of understanding, communication, and mutual respect shared by the partners involved.
For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, you might like one of my earlier articles, "Beyond Monogamy: An Introduction to Ethical Non-Monogamous Relationships", available here - https://hitpause.substack.com/p/beyond-monogamy-an-introduction-to. This piece delves into the nuances of various relationship models and their implications, offering a broader perspective on what successful relationships can look like.
Your comment underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and exploration in understanding the evolving landscape of human relationships. The realm of polyamory and CRD is indeed vast and multifaceted, and I'm glad to see it piquing interest and sparking meaningful discussions. :))
If you'd like to delve deeper into the research mentioned, the study "Reasons for sex and relational outcomes in consensually nonmonogamous and monogamous relationships: A self-determination theory approach" is accessible here - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0265407517743082. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of non-monogamous relationships, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of relationship satisfaction.
Thank you once again for your thoughtful engagement. :)) I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and experiences as you continue to explore these fascinating aspects of modern relationships.