heartconnection:

Polyamorous relationships offer the opportunity for each partner to meet all their needs, rather than repress and resent whichever needs do not conveniently fit into one relationship. Many basically good relationships end because of excess dependency or sexual incompatibilities, and non-monogamous alternatives can offer a way to continue a good relationship while solving some of these problems. 

However, people in open relationships cannot expect their intentions and desires to simply fall into place. They must be assertive and able to articulate their own needs clearly and honestly. Fortunately, this process actually strengthens the relationship. By encouraging each partner to be honest with themselves and each other, by communicating clearly about feelings, needs, anxieties, and insecurities, partners can grow their knowledge, and in turn intimacy, of both themselves and each other beyond what a monogamous relationship would normally allow. 

— Kathy Labriola, Love in Abundance: A Counselor’s Advice on Open Relationships (paraphrased)

 

(Picture Source: Polyamory by ~CrawlingHinata)

(via sexgenderbody)