Open relationships are something of an enigma, know the Netflix shows centered around an open relationship or marriage
There may be a lot of them out there, but because they tend to be misunderstood and sometimes stigmatized, those involved in this type of partnership usually keep this to themselves. But the advent of Internet dating has introduced a diverse set of possibilities into the world of dating, with increasing numbers of singles being drawn to experimenting with non-monogamous get-togethers.
As open relationships have grown in popularity, this has been reflected in popular culture. Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of these relationships, examining why they occur and how they have become plotlines for major Netflix series.
Netflix Shows Dealing with Open Relationship And Marriage In The Story
Why Open Relationships Spark Curiosity
So why should couples who are open to sexual experimentation instill a sense of curiosity? It’s down to 21st-century society. Monogamy has long been the default setting. People who embark on affairs can find themselves ostracized from social groups, accused of being selfish at best, callous home breakers at worst. But why shouldn’t people feel free to go out with others, as long as this is mutual and consensual?
In many cases, having this option can be healthy for a couple. Should they happen to be going through issues, open relationships will allow them to take a step back, let off steam by getting involved with a third party, and then recouple, feeling the benefit of starting things over again. The good news for those who might be considering partner swapping is that they don’t need to feel awkward about exploring this option.
There are many swinger sites for dating, allowing site users to investigate the possibility of getting to know prospective partners by chatting via secure communication channels. The relaxed atmosphere of these sites is always conducive to easy introductions. Review sites will point you in the right direction by assessing a cross-section of these outlets on your behalf, allocating marks out of five. It’s then up to you to follow the respective links to the homepage to register.
What Forms They Can Take
There are all sorts of open relationships, but let’s look into some of the commonest. Swinging is where one couple agrees to swap partners with another. Threesomes involve a couple inviting a third party to participate in fun activities. Another name for this is unicorn dating, named after the mythical creatures allegedly so rare few had seen one. In the virtual dating world, the desire to invite unicorns into a bedroom is unusual but by no means rare.
Polyamory involves singles having multiple partners who are interchangeable. But unlike affairs, everyone involved in this activity has agreed on a strict protocol to be followed. Cuckolding is a fetish where one person in a relationship gets turned on by watching their partner having relations with someone else. There are so many possibilities when it comes to open dating, it’s no wonder people are up for exploring different avenues and are straying away from the conventional and taking bold new directions.
Netflix Shows on the Topic
– You, Me, Her (2016)
This US/Canadian co-production sees a regular ‘vanilla’ thirtysomething suburban couple succumbing to the temptation of inviting someone to be the third point of a love triangle. Set in Portland, Oregon, in the USA’s Pacific Northwest, it was billed as the world’s first polyromantic comedy. It has now run for five seasons and would make compelling viewing if you are considering how you might arrange for life to imitate art!
– Wanderlust (2018)
Starring the highly-versatile Toni Collette, Wanderlust tells the story of Joy, a therapist whose husband Alan (Steven Mackintosh) confesses to having an affair. But rather than allowing their partnership to unravel, Joy makes the surprise suggestion of allowing what they have between them to become ‘open.’ This leads to a spell of promiscuity, which Joy interprets to have deeper personal significance. But she also has a whole load of fun!
– You (2021, season 3)
You ask the candid question: exactly what lengths would you go to for love? The main protagonists, Joe (Penn Badgley) and Love (Victoria Pedretti) prove that they would go to considerable extremes! Open relationships are but the tip of an amoral iceberg that also includes having no qualms about bumping off individuals who cross them.
If you’re in an open relationship, it’s probably safe to assume you have an open and trusting mind. Rather than being a regular, average, 9 to 5 type person, there’s every likelihood you’re adventurous. To make the most of your situation, you should aim to be a knowledge sponge, soaking up all sorts of pop culture references, from the hippest music awards to the most recommended artists to listen to when you’re enjoying one of your dates! Keep absorbing interesting fresh information, and prepare to embark on exciting new relationships.