Dating with Mixed Experience Levels in Non-Monogamy

Explicit content warning

04/26/24 • 51 min

Are you navigating non-monogamy as a newbie, feeling intimidated by those with more experience who have read all the books or had lots of partners? Or maybe you're the one with the experience, rolling your eyes at the fresh faces? We’re exploring the nuances of different experience levels in the context of non-monogamy because experience doesn't guarantee a great partner or ethical behavior, just as being new doesn't always lead to disaster.

You’ll hear— (12:38) The nuances of being experienced or new to non-monogamy (22:15) Having a beginner’s mind and staying curious (30:07) Generational differences in non-monogamy (38:37) Going into a relationship with intentionality (42:52) Queer Joys

Let us know your experience exploring these dynamics as either a newbie or someone with experience. As always, you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Let us know your experience exploring these dynamics as either a newbie or someone with experience. As always, you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Previous Episode

Finding Glimmers of Joy

How do we engage with the world around us and continue some form of activism or social justice while also finding moments of joy? We’re exploring this question to bring some optimism and mindfulness when it feels like the world is fire.

You’ll hear (5:56) Finding joy in challenging times (8:37) Balancing activism with moments of joy and hope. (13:56) Finding hope and inspiration in small moments, or glimmers (19:43) Oxytocin and sex (25:23) Meaning, joy, and overstimulation in modern life (28:06) Queer joys

Keep up with Melisa on Instagram @therapeutic.ideas and look out for the training on April 20th by Alex Iantaffi on mixed orientation relationships at Eventbrite or connectivetherapycollective.com.

Next Episode

Navigating Polyamorous Relationships in Smaller Communities

In small communities, whether that’s a small city or simply being queer and polyamorous, exes and old connections often overlap. We're discussing how to navigate these interactions and collaborate with our partners to establish agreements or guidelines for engaging with others in our social circles. We'll explore topics such as control, comfort and discomfort, preferences and requests vs rules, and ultimatums. These concepts can help us manage our partners' relationships outside of our own while also considering what is possible and ethical.

You’ll hear— (12:52) How much control do you have over interactions with your exes (16:12) Making requests and ethical boundaries (24:48) The importance of flexibility and understanding in agreements (31:58) Queer joys

Connect with Keely:

• Follow them on Instagram and TikTok

• Follow Connective Therapy Collective on Instagram and Facebook

Connect with Melisa:

• Follow them on Instagram

• Follow Therapeutic Ideas on Instagram

If you like the show, please leave a rating and review and tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Queer_Relationships_Queer_Joy