Relationships can change over time, including the type of sex you have with your partner. You may begin to want different things including sex with other people. While some have sex outside their relationship, others prefer to invite others into their relationship. However, if you chose this route, you need to be aware that there are several implications for your relationship, not only the emotional consequences but also the possible impact of sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Things to consider

Open relationships come with an entirely different set of ground rules. It's essential that your relationship is on an even keel to be able to deal with any emotional issues that this arrangement can bring up.

Below is a list of questions that may help you discuss and prepare for some of the issues that may arise.

• Do you only share partners or can you go out and explore on your own?
• Is your relationship honest and open enough to cope with an open relationship?
• At which point do you negotiate it and how much do you want to know about it?
• What happens if one partner finds someone they're more attracted to?
• What happens if one partner isn’t ready for an open relationship but feels pressured into one?
• How do you ensure that your partner is practicing safe sex with casual partners?
• What happens if a partner becomes jealous?
• What happens if the invitee finds one member of the couple more attractive than the other?

More info

Contact: ACON’s Gay Men's Education Team

ACON runs workshops with gay men that cover topics including relationships. Please get in touch with ACON’s Gay Men’s Education Team to find out what workshop works best for you.

Tel: (02) 9206 2000
Freecall: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: groups@acon.org.au