These days, everyone seems to be inventing their own way of dating, from open relationships to multiple dating and lifelong fidelity. There are numerous ways to approach passion and love, and celebrities seem to be more and more open to the less traditional route of relationships. But people aren’t simply sleeping around with whoever they want. There are templates for this kind of dating that more people are latching onto. There are five new ways to be in a relationship, according to experts. Here’s a list of what you can expect in the world of dating now, from dating men and women at the same time, to being in love with a number of people at once.
Flexi-sexuals
This is the new buzzword for straight men and women who experiment with bisexuality, but perhaps don’t necessarily conform to it as a label. This isn’t just for adventurous singletons, but also for people in relationships who are experimenting with their own sex (with the consent of their partner, of course!). This is almost like a stepping stone for people who are nervous about plunging into a full open relationship status, and is all about the fluidity of a relationship. The other word for this is pan-sexual – in other words, the ability to fancy people of all genders and sexualities.
Hybrid relationships
Extra-marital frisson can be explored in a number of ways, but it doesn’t have to take two – you can always just get their consent, even if you can’t get them as enthusiastic as you are about the subject. It’s becoming increasingly common for one partner to allow the more sexually charged of the pair permission to enjoy a little extra-marital activity while they stay at home. It may seem like one partner is getting the raw end of this deal, but actually this way of being in a relationship works for many couples. For example, there are websites dedicated to people having affairs and for people who simply don’t enjoy sex much anymore, it can be a great way for couples to stay together but both get what they need.
Multiple Dating
Consider this trying before you buy – the idea that you date multiple men or women, rather than immediately settle down with the first person you meet up with. This is common in cities such as New York, where dating is popular, as opposed to in Britain where dating in this way isn’t all that common. Recent surveys suggest that 63 per cent of women and 53 per cent of men date multiple people at the same time.
Posh Swingers
Couples’ parties are becoming more popular, but this isn’t the aged version of a sleazy swingers party in someone’s living room. This is an elegant party of sexy waiters and canapes, where couples sip champagne whilst parading around in Agent Provocateur. It can be popular amongst couples who feel their sex life needs spicing up a bit.
Polyamory
Polyamorous couples believe that love isn’t reserved for just one person – this is more than simply having sex with multiple partners. Some poly people have a primary partner who is considered their number one, but then also love other people as well and maintain relationships with them all. If it’s a three-way bond, it’s a triad; if there are four, it’s a quad. There have even been TV programmes based around this type of relationship, something which works for a number of couples now.
