A Happy Life in an Open Relationship by Wenzel, Susan -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Title Dedication Copyright Contents Introduction: Thriving in Nonmonogamy Chapter 1: What Is Consensual Nonmonogamy?

Defining CNM Relationships Is CNM a Natural Human Tendency? Reasons for Opening a Relationship Benefits of CNM Understanding Love in an Open Relationship Exercise: Love Awareness

Chapter 2: Preparing Yourself for an Open Relationship

Self-Love, Self-Acceptance, and Self-Worth Healing the Inner Child Staying True to Yourself Creating Yourself Cultivating Resilience Your Relationship Does Not Define You Exercise: Stating Your Truths Resistance to Change Exercise: Face Your Fears

Chapter 3: Starting a CNM Relationship

Swimming in the River with Crocodiles Broaching the Subject of an Open Relationship Planning for the Conversation Having the Conversation The New Monogamous Agreement Establishing Safe Boundaries Communication Skills How to Establish Emotional Safety Understanding Conflict and Building a Secure Bond Strategies for Moving into the “Secure Neighborhood” Therapeutic Process in an Open Relationship The Gift of Vulnerability The Role of a Supportive Partner

Chapter 4: Cultivating Healthy Habits within CNM Relationships

Building Confidence Developing Mental Strength and Grit Exercise: Pull the Weeds and Water the Plants Overcoming Negative Habits Adopting Positive Habits Practicing Self-Care Experiencing Compersion Exercise: Resilience Affirmation

Chapter 5: Sex in a CNM Relationship

Tips for Keeping Things Interesting within Your Primary Relationship Incorporating Novelty into Your Relationship Sexual Fluidity The Swingers’ House Party Exercise: The Kinsey Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale Exercise: Sexual Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs

Chapter 6: Common Issues in CNM Relationships

The Root Cause of My Jealousy The Green-Eyed Monster Retroactive Jealousy Exercise: Jealousy Awareness The Roller Coaster of Emotions The Costs of an Open Relationship Introducing Your Dates to Your Primary Partner Meeting Your Partner’s New Partners Setting Boundaries with New Partners Dealing with Infidelity in a CNM Relationship Emotional Injury Navigating Race and Ethnicity Exercise: Becoming Aware of Racial Bias Racial Fetishism How to Recognize Abuse Breaking Up with a Partner

Chapter 7: Sharing Your CNM Relationship with the World

Coming Out to Friends and Family Coming Out in the New York Times Magazine How to Cope with the Stigma of a CNM Relationship Benefits and Risks of Coming Out to Children Raising Children in an Open Relationship

Conclusion: The Advantages and Rewards of CNM Acknowledgments Bibliography Endnotes About the Author Chronicle Ebooks