But what’s the difference between being polyamorous, being a swinger, and having an open relationship? What are open relationships? As the writer Valerie Fischel explained for Self in 2018, open relationships are another form of consensually non-monogamous relationships, and they vary from couple to couple. The philosophy behind open relationships, at least in part, stems from a belief that committing is monogamy is futile as a life-long endeavor. Swinging typically involves a monogamous couple searching together for a sexual partner who isn’t involved in their relationship.
