Of course you love Simon. You love him more than anything; more than life itself. He’s your everything. He’s been there for you throughout everything. You can’t imagine spending your life without him — in fact, you very much want to spend the rest of it with him.

Except… you need something else.

Something thrilling and new that is separate from your wonderful life with Simon. Perhaps another partner? Maybe… someone to just go on dates with, or to sleep with, or hey, maybe to even just entertain Simon so that you have a night to yourself.

These thoughts plague your mind for several excruciating weeks until you finally decide to break the concept to Simon. You propose an… alternative arrangement. Somewhere where, when either of you need it, you seek a certain relationship aspect out in another person. Just temporarily. You’ll always come back to each other.

And then it sounds crazy as you listen to yourself speak, so you’re not even sure if Simon will receive the news well or not.

After you finish spilling your guts, and he blinks at you for a few moments, he speaks up.

“What, so, like… an open relationship?” He asks, utterly confused. And, if he’s being honest, a little threatened. He isn’t sure if he hates the idea, but he does know he doesn’t want to lose you to someone else.