Types of sexual-affective relationships

Relationships haven’t stopped evolving in recent years. We’re experiencing major changes, and that has led to the existence of many types of emotional and sexual relationships today. These changes don’t necessarily mean relationships are better or worse, but rather that there are more options.

Since we know there are so many types that it can sometimes be hard to keep track of them all, here’s a list of the most important ones. You’re bound to find more than one that will surprise you.

1– Traditional monogamy

This is considered the most traditional type of relationship. Once the couple is formed, neither person is allowed to seek others; they must focus solely on each other. As the saying goes, it’s the kind of relationship where you should only have eyes for your partner.

2– Realistic monogamy

In this type of relationship, each person may feel attracted to others and can talk about it with their partner. But even so, fidelity remains the foundation, meaning both individuals are expected to stay committed to the person they’ve chosen.

3– Serial monogamy

This could be described as a succession of monogamous relationships. When one relationship ends, another begins. It creates a continuous series of committed relationships, but while each one lasts, the person remains faithful to their partner.

4– Infidelity

This refers to a traditional couple in which one person feels attraction, desire, or even romantic intentions toward someone else.

Usually, this kind of relationship is not consensual, meaning one person chooses to be unfaithful without the other’s agreement. The deceived partner is often unaware of what’s going on, and if they do find out, it typically takes some time.

5– Open relationship

This occurs when a couple forms but the relationship is not closed. They mutually agree that each person can be with others and still come back together afterward.

In this case, the level of freedom may be total or partial. Often, that freedom includes sexual encounters. Of course, for an open relationship to work, both people must agree. If one of them is not comfortable or feels jealous, then it can’t truly be called an open relationship.

6– Open relationship with closed eyes

This is similar to an open relationship, but with one key difference. Here, each person is free to be with others, but without telling their partner. As the saying goes, what you don’t see can’t hurt you.

For this reason, the open dynamic exists, but with a degree of ignorance. It can be a suitable choice for couples exploring other options but who still struggle with jealousy. That way, they don’t know whether their partner is with someone else or not. Of course, if it’s ever discovered, the other person must accept it, since they agreed to that type of arrangement.

7- Traditional Polygamy

This type of relationship is usually accepted in some religions, but not in others.

In this case, polygamy allows a person to have multiple partners. If we focus on religious reasons, in most cases it is permitted for a man to have several women by his side, as long as he can support them.

8- Hierarchical Polyamory

This type of relationship is said to exist when a person has several relationships at the same time, although one of them is the main one. It is true that the person can be involved with multiple people at once, but only one is the core of their life. Therefore, the others are considered secondary relationships and, in many cases, not very significant.

9- Non-hierarchical Polyamory

This term is used when a person has several relationships and all are on the same level—none of them stands out from the rest. It is a complex type of relationship, as there is often someone who becomes more interesting or important than the others.

10- Throuple

This can be described as a group relationship. In this case, a person may love two other people in the group. If it is a “quadrouple,” then they would love three people in the group, and so on. The goal is for everyone to maintain a relationship with one another, making the relationship more than just a simple couple.

11- Triangle

In this case, one person is in a relationship with two other people. However, the other two do not have a relationship with each other. It is usually a woman with two men or a man with two women, although other combinations are also possible.

12- Polyfidelity

These are relationships made up of more than one person. Once the circle is closed, the members remain faithful to one another, meaning the group does not open up to new members. That means no one will have relationships outside the group once it is formed.

13- Relationship Anarchy

These are relationships in which a person can connect with many others at the same time without any issue. All relationships must happen naturally and not be forced. Additionally, all relationships have the same value—none is considered more important than the others.

14- Swingers

These are couples who engage in partner swapping. It can be a good way to experience new things with other people and then return to the original partner. There are many clubs and places that specialize in partner swapping.