Opening Up

Read this book! Everyone!
Rating:
Submitted 2011-09-15
By lalalala from NYC

I would consider reading all or part of this book practically essential if you are practicing nonmonogamy, are considering it, or are curious about it! Honestly, I think many parts of it are probably still highly relevant to monogamous folks too, since the book insightfully addresses issues of self-awareness, communication, jealousy, and other things that everyone deals with. I’ve been practicing nonmonogamy on and off for a few years so I consider myself relatively new but healthy communication, self-awareness, and being a considerate date or partner are TOP priorities for me and I love learning more and self-improving. I felt like this book really answered my questions and pointed my in the right direction to keep learning more! Through reading Opening Up and really engaging with it, I’ve felt more equipped to practice healthier communication, be more honest WITH MYSELF, better maneuver challenges and understand why they occur, bring up difficult topics with my dates, and generally have more tools to practice nonmonogamy better (more time to focus on the FUN parts!). I am in a new primary relationship and my partner sometimes comments on how they feel continually appreciative and impressed at my communication skills and consideration, and I really feel I owe this book a chunk of credit for that. I’ve also read other stuff about nonmonogamy in the past that had a preachy, “nonmonogamous people are more evolved,” overly idealistic feel that was a real turn off, and I was SO happy when I read Opening Up that it was so down to earth and realistic about what can be a really challenging, but also really rewarding thing, if you’re willing to work at it. Seriously, this book has so much to offer and I could not recommend it more!!

I can only thank this book
Rating:
Submitted 2009-12-04
By Mr. Boy from Bay area

I don't believe I could have worked through so much of my own personal issues in my relationships if I didn't have this book. Not only is it easy to read and understand but if gives you others experiences, a history on open relationships, quotes from other open relationship books, a basic outline and small steps to help you better yourself. This is one book that everyone must have, open relationship or not. I have had it for only a year and have easily read through it 3 times. Its a must have even if you just need a reminder here and there.

a must-read for anyone interested in open relationships
Rating:
Submitted 2009-11-29
By Anon from Illinois

This is a fantastic book. So honest and thorough. Anyone engaging in, considering, or even just trying to understand polyamory and open relationships will find it an amazing source of information and support.

Amazing.
Rating:
Submitted 2008-12-09
By Anon from Seattle

A guide to creating and sustaining open relationships. It's large and comprehensive, starting with history and myths of open relationships, determining whether it may be right for you, and what makes open relationships work. It also describes 6 different forms of ORs and their benefits, reasons, pitfalls, and conflicts. The largest section of the book deals with more of the practicalities of choosing and designing an open relationship, dealing with issues such as jealousy, children, stigmas, safe sex, and legal issues. Tristan's book is regularly interspersed with stories or interviews of actual people's relationships which illustrate or bring to life many of the points she deals with. This is an amazing guide to open relationships.