Once Bitten, Twice Shy?

[scandal]

Greetings all,

Just wanted some thoughts on being in a poly relationship and interested in forming new relationships. I was in a poly double V until recently, so I am currently interested in creating some new friendships with a "let's see what happens" attitude.

I like to be very open and upfront about my relationship status with new friends, but outside of the swinging community (which seems to be more accepting of alternative relationship models than the regular crowd), the description of my relationship with husband dearest seems to result in a person responding with a "Phwoaaar, well then you aren't such a good girl after - all you must be ready for a random shag!" It's not the first time this has happend as in the past we got some similar reactions from friends until they really understood that we aren't just in it for a quick and easy rush of endorphins.

Needless to say, I am not frequenting those places these days, since I dislike either the reaction or having to hide part of who I am. Has anyone else hit this problem?

[River]

When I was involved with another (temporarily) while still with my partner, Kevin, I told a few friends and aquaintances about this, and the typical response was "I just couldn't do that," which felt quite distancing, if not judging. Only one person said, "how nice for you!" -- rather sincerely.

[MonoVCPHG]

Originally Posted by JRiverMartin

"I just couldn't do that," which felt quite distancing, if not judging.

If I had a dollar for everytime I heard that LOL!!

I don't blame them though. I am able to understand thier inability to not understand more than I understand someone's ability to love more than one person intimately....in the way I use the word "intimate"
Luckily, I don't need to understand it to feel healthy and loved within it

[AutumnalTone]

When I was describing poly to some coworkers, one of them said "Oh, you're swingers." I replied "No, that's polyfuckery. Polyamory is about loving relationships, we want more than sex." It was like a light clicked on in her head at that.

I think attaching the "poly" to "fuck" to illustrate swinging and then pointing out polyamory is "many loves" helps a lot of folks to understand it.

And I never assume it's a bad thing when they say they don't think they could do it. It's a foreign concept to them and they really don't think they could do it because they have no idea how to go about doing it.

[XYZ123]

I heard "I can't do that" all the time. It doesn't bother me, nor make me feel distanced. They just couldn't do it. There was a time when I wouldn't have thought I could either. When I said I was bi a very good female friend said "Ewwww. Vagina is gross!" This and the look on her face made me laugh until my sides hurt because I knew that, while SHE felt that way about vagina, she didn't feel ANY different for me. It's like me saying I like eating cow brain and someone saying "Eww. I wouldn't". It doesn't mean we can't be just as close friends.

But I've had others tell me "you're disgusting" or "you must have a bad marriage then" or "your husband is just using you" or "you don't really love eachother then". That's where it gets insulting and people get cut off.

[NeonKaos]

Originally Posted by XYZ123

When I said I was bi a very good female friend said "Ewwww. Vagina is gross!"

I can't believe people feel that way about their own stuff. Yes, it was a big relief the first time I tasted someone else's pussy and decided I liked it, but I already knew "vagina" wasn't "gross" because I have one and I know what mine is like.

[River]

Amen, sister!

[NeonKaos]

Actually, I know WHY some people are turned off by their own stuff, I just think they should get over it.

[River]

Originally Posted by YGirl

Actually, I know WHY some people are turned off by their own stuff,

I'd love to hear your theory or hypothesis.

"I just think they should get over it."

How?

[NeonKaos]

Well, it's no secret that in Western society and the Judeo-Christian culture that children are often taught that the genital and anal area are "private", "dirty", and/or "shameful" either in so many words or through actions and behaviours.

HOW (and whether) other people deal with their issue(s) is not my problem. I guess one could start by reading self-help books...