Zoey+A’s+2016+OpEd+Article

Despite the fact that it’s in human’s evolutionary nature to reproduce with as many people as possible, we, as a society, generally accept the idea that the only true way to be in a relationship is to be with one person, and one person only, forever. Not only that, but being involved with multiple people is greatly looked down upon (ie. slut-shaming). The stigma surrounding having multiple partners is, although stemmed from ignorance, understandable. Most people immediately dismiss it as a valid way to be with someone because it’s ‘technically cheating.’ This misconception is a dangerous one, because it supports the notion that all relationships must function the same way in order to be ‘real’ relationships. The truth is that your relationship can look however you want it to look. Only you and your significant other have the power to determine what yours looks like.

I’ve been dating my boyfriend Julian for a year, and, even before either of us had acted on it, we both agreed to support each other hooking up with other people. When we actually started pursuing others, it started off a little messy, mainly because it was something we weren't used to. Now a days, it’s no big deal. We always let each other know if we think we’re gonna end up doing something with anyone, and for us, this totally works! I still love him and he still loves me, and that’s all that matters to us.

There are no rules to dating. Just like how a monogamous relationship shouldn’t be seen as a more ‘real’ way to date, neither should open ones. They’re not the ‘better’ or more ‘fun’ way of living (although ‘fun’ is kinda totally true), because it all depends on who you are and what you want in life. Life truly has no rules or limitations, so why abide by anyone's but your own?