18 diversi tipi di relazioni (+come gestirle)

You’ve spent a significant amount of time in your life figuring out dating and romance. Truth be told, this has been one of your primary concerns ever since your teenage years. Well, you’re not alone.

But is it possible that you never got to the bottom of your love life because you had no idea how many types of relationships there are? Yes, there is much more out there than the patterns that you’re used to.

Quali sono i tipi di relazione? Come si riconosce ognuno di essi? E soprattutto: come gestirle al meglio?

We’ve got you covered. Here are the answers to all of these questions and more.

Co-dipendente

Che cos'è?

Many people see this kind of interpersonal relationship as normal and typical; the truth is that it’s anything but healthy.

Basically, when you’re in a relazione codipendente, you don’t love your partner the right way – you just think you do.

In fact, you’re addicted to them. It’s normal for your partner to play an important role in your life, but it’s much worse than this in your case.

You’re obsessed with their presence in your life, and everything they do or say affects you.

Con il tempo, si perdere se stessi completely. Your primary goal in life is to keep this person by your side because you’re convinced that you would literally die without them.

Cosa lo rende malsano?

No, this is not romantic, and it’s certainly not the way a un sano romanticismo should look. I hate to break it to you, but you’re a fidanzata appiccicosa or boyfriend if you’re codependent.

You have no self-sufficiency, no autonomy, and no life outside of your relationship. Truth to be told, you’re unable to express any type of emotion that doesn’t concern your partner.

You don’t care what happens in the world outside of your intimate relationship, as it’s the only thing that really matters to you.

Soffrite di una mancanza di autostima e vivete nella costante paura che il vostro partner si allontani da voi.

With time, you develop serious abandonment trauma. Your entire world revolves around this person – they give you meaning and make you fulfilled.

Without them, you’d be utterly lost, and your existence would be pointless. At least, this is how you feel.

La cosa peggiore è che il vostro fidanzato o la vostra fidanzata permettono la vostra ossessione. Si godono il fatto che tu dipenda da loro, anche se probabilmente non lo ammetterebbero mai.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have stayed with you so long, would they? The truth is that the other party enjoys the emotional control they’ve managed to impose on you.

This is the only way for them to feel relevant. Your behavior serves them as an ego boost, and that’s the only reason they keep you around.

Indipendente

Che cos'è?

L'opposto di una relazione codipendente è una relazione indipendente. All'inizio si potrebbe pensare che le coppie indipendenti siano tutt'altro che dei veri e propri partner, poiché raramente seguono gli schemi relazionali tradizionali.

Li si immagina vivere in modo completamente separato e per alcuni potrebbero addirittura sembrare degli estranei. Tuttavia, questo non è affatto vero.

You see, when you’re in an independent relationship, you remain the person you were before meeting your loved one.

However, this doesn’t mean that you’re not subject to personal growth and improvement.

It’s just that neither of you changes the essence of their beings just to please the other person. Even though you’re in a relationship, you keep the life you had before your partner.

Yes, you two meet halfway on some things – that is completely normal. However, you still have your goals, career, friends, family relationships, and hobbies.

Now you’ve just found someone to accompany you on this journey called life. You’ve found someone who won’t try to mold you and who won’t do anything to endanger your individuality.

Cosa rende una relazione sana?

La parte migliore di questa relazione è che you don’t actually need your partner – you’ve just chosen to be with them.

Of course, you would miss them if they were gone. You would grieve their absence, but your world wouldn’t stop spinning if that happened.

You don’t depend on them financially, emotionally, or in any other way. Their departure wouldn’t mess up your life too much, and it certainly wouldn’t significantly reduce its quality.

This might sound harsh, but in this situation, you both put yourselves first. It doesn’t mean that you don’t love your boyfriend or girlfriend – you just love yourself more.

Trust me: this doesn’t make you selfish. It only shows that you’re both mature and have the capacity to look at things realistically, without feelings included.

Che vi piaccia o no ammetterlo, il vostro amore potrebbe svanire un giorno. Potreste separarvi.
And if that happens, what remains? Well, you’ll be left alone with yourself.

You’ll be left with the life you’ve built outside of your romance, so it better be a good one.

Attivo/passivo

Come funziona?

The title says it all: in this relationship, there is a clear difference between an active and a passive partner. I’m sure you’ve seen tons of relationships, especially marriages like this.

I’m talking about the ones where, for example, a wife/mother is in charge of basically everything. She does the cooking, the cleaning, and other chores.

She is the one responsible for the children’s upbringing, and the one everyone consults with before making a life-changing decision.

D'altra parte, il marito si limita a seguire la corrente. Il più delle volte è uno spettatore passivo nei confronti dei propri familiari.

He has no interest in how the kids are raised, where they will go on their next vacation, or what they’ll have for lunch. This man’s only responsibility is to go to work and bring money home.

Per il resto della giornata si sdraia sul divano, guarda la TV e si comporta come un vero parassita. Naturalmente le cose possono andare in entrambi i sensi e questo è solo un esempio.

Perché è insostenibile?

However, an active/passive relationship doesn’t always have to be this obvious – sometimes you don’t even realize that your relationship struggles with this kind of dynamic.

Nella maggior parte dei casi, il partner attivo è quello che porta l'intera relazione sulle spalle, in un modo o nell'altro.

At the end of the day, they’re the ones keeping it alive, while the other person just tags along.

Il motivo per cui questo tipo di relazioni sono più comuni di quanto si possa pensare è che Gli opposti si attraggono.

Quando si incontrano per la prima volta, il partner passivo tranquillizza quello attivo. D'altra parte, il partner attivo porta l'eccitazione che manca a quello passivo.

However, as soon as the initial butterflies are gone, you face trouble in paradise. The active partner starts to feel overwhelmed while the passive one can’t handle the pressure.

Dominante/sottomesso

Che cos'è?

Molte persone commettono un errore nel pensare che attivo/passivo e dominante/passivo siano due concetti che non hanno senso.tipi di relazioni di sottomissione sono la stessa cosa. Tuttavia, le differenze sono molte.

Just because you’re an active partner doesn’t make your boyfriend or girlfriend submissive.

You might be louder, more capable, or even more aggressive when it comes to your common interests, but that doesn’t mean that the other person is automatically compliant.

Quando si sentono questi termini, la prima cosa che si pensa è la camera da letto.

Beh, la relazione dominante/sottomessa è molto più di questo, e le vostre attività tra le lenzuola sono per lo più solo una parte di essa.

A submissive partner has no say in and out of the bedroom, and all control is in the hands of the dominant one. They’re the one who governs both of your lives in all of its aspects.

A prima vista, il partner dominante ha la meglio in questo tipo di dinamica di potere. La verità è che ha molti più diritti.

Nevertheless, their responsibilities are bigger, as well. It’s their duty to protect their moglie sottomessa o marito, di prendersi cura di loro in tutti i modi possibili e di guidarli nella vita.

They’re in charge of the entire decision-making process in the relationship and, therefore, take all the blame if something goes wrong.

Può avere successo?

Per la maggior parte delle persone, una dinamica di potere dominante/sottomesso è la cosa peggiore in assoluto. Tuttavia, alcuni godono della loro superiorità e altri amano essere obbedienti.

So, if it works for them – who are we to judge?

Tenete presente che c'è un'enorme differenza tra una storia d'amore in cui entrambe le parti hanno accettato questa impostazione e una relazione in cui questa lotta di potere è forzata.

If you’re a submissive partner, you’re not your loved one’s slave, nor are they your master.

La cosa più importante è che potete e dovete porre fine a questo gioco nel momento in cui inizia a mettervi a disagio.

Platonico

Che cos'è?

I’m sure you heard about this kind of relationship. It was named after the famous philosopher Plato. With time, the concept has been modified, although the source idea has remained the same.

In una relazione platonica, voi e il vostro partner condividete emozioni profonde l'uno per l'altro.

You’re committed to making your romance work; you share the same values, common interests, and you plan a future together.

Tuttavia, non c'è nulla di fisico tra voi due. It’s not that you just don’t sleep together – there is also no touching and kissing. Basically, there is no physical attraction and chemistry.

Questo potrebbe sembrare strano o addirittura impossibile per incontri moderni but trust me – a lot of people choose this relationship as something that suits them best.

Per queste coppie, l'intimità è molto più che soddisfare gli impulsi primordiali. Si concentrano su altre cose, come formare un legame più profondo e più forte e diventare la migliore versione possibile di se stessi.

Cosa può andare storto?

Sembra troppo bello per essere vero, vero? Il fatto è che non sono molte le persone che riescono a far funzionare questo tipo di relazione.

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have needs that we can’t control.

This is why these relationships fail in most cases: one of the partners finds the passion they’re lacking back home and realizes that this is not how they can continue living.

Friendzone

However, please don’t mistake friend-zoning for a platonic relationship. Theoretically, they’re similar, but not the same.

In entrambi i casi, ci sono due persone che sono amiche e, in un certo senso, condividono una vita insieme, ma non c'è nulla di fisico tra loro.

Nevertheless, when you’re in a platonic relationship, you both agree to these terms. D'altra parte, una friendzone significa che una persona prova sentimenti non proprio platonici per l'altra.

They would never choose to be platonic if they had the chance – they are just left with no other choice.

Allo stesso tempo, nella maggior parte dei casi, l'altra persona non ha idea dei suoi sentimenti e la vede come un semplice amico.

Temporaneo

Come funziona?

When you start a new relationship, you don’t know where it will take you or how long it will last. But every time, you hope that this is the real deal.

You don’t think about the end, nor do you plan a break-up now that everything is going smoothly. At least, this is how things usually work. Well, with a relazione temporanea, tutto è diverso.

From the very first day, this romantic relationship has an expiration date. You know it’s not permanent, and you don’t give your entire self to it.

You don’t plan your future with this person, you don’t introduce them to your friends and family, and you don’t share your deepest thoughts and feelings with them.

Officially, they’re your boyfriend/girlfriend, but they’re not your life partner.

You might be moving out of town in a couple of months but don’t want a long-distance relationship. Or you’re not ready to share your life with someone else but don’t want to be alone either.

Quando non è salutare?

Non c'è nulla di male nelle storie d'amore temporanee a una condizione: che entrambi siate d'accordo sui termini della vostra relazione. La cosa peggiore che potete fare è dare al vostro partner false speranze.

Purtroppo, nella maggior parte dei casi, questo tipo di relazioni sono considerate temporanee solo da una persona. Per loro, questa storia d'amore ha una data di scadenza, mentre l'altro è completamente all'oscuro.

Oppure l'altra parte si rifiuta semplicemente di accettare come stanno le cose. Ecco che si fanno progetti e si spera che tutto cambi in futuro.

Si vedono andare all'altare con la persona che li vede come un soluzione temporanea invece di una soluzione permanente. In questo caso, questa storia d'amore è malsana, tossica e, soprattutto, ingiusta.

Evitare

Che cos'è?

Purtroppo, oggi sempre più persone si lasciano coinvolgere in una relazione di evitamento senza nemmeno saperlo. In poche parole, si tratta di una storia d'amore tra due persone che evitano qualsiasi tipo di intimità.

But I’m not referring to physical intimacy this time. I’m talking about real connessione emotiva.
Spesso queste persone sono state ferite in passato.

Consequently, they’ve built strong walls around their hearts. They’ve become overly careful, and their worst fear is of being hurt again.

So, they act as if they’re heartless since they’re convinced it’s the only way to protect themselves from going through the same hell once more.

Queste persone sono emotivamente indisponibili e scelgono consapevolmente i partner con cui possono avere una relazione di tipo evitante.

The avoidant person doesn’t include their boyfriend/girlfriend in their life, they refuse to open up completely, and they never give them their whole heart.

Instead, they’re constantly on the lookout. They avoid any situation that might reveal their vulnerabilities and force them to lay down their shield.

Hanno problemi di fiducia profondamente radicati e sono pronti a scappare non appena vedono che l'altra persona si è avvicinata troppo.

Trascuratezza emotiva

Il problema di queste relazioni è che l'altro partner finisce quasi sempre per sentirsi trascurato emotivamente. At first, you think that you’ll tear down your loved one’s walls with time.

However, despite all of your attempts, that doesn’t happen. You end up feeling unloved and unwanted, which severely damages your self-esteem and mental health.

Sceneggiato

Che aspetto ha?

Avete presente quelle coppie che stanno insieme da una vita?

Hanno fatto tutto secondo le regole: si sono laureati insieme, si sono fidanzati, si sono sposati e ora hanno dei figli, un cane e vivono in una grande casa recintata di bianco in periferia.

At first glance, this kind of life looks like a fairytale. After all, this is what we’ve all dreamt of while growing up.

Ma a volte le cose sono troppo belle per essere vere. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not claiming that every seemingly perfect relationship is not as great as it seems.

Tuttavia, le relazioni sceneggiate sono proprio così. In effetti, nella maggior parte dei casi, ricordano le famiglie di Stepford.

They are together and do everything by the book because that is how things should be. These couples aren’t living the life they want because they’re too busy fulfilling expectations.

I don’t know whether they’ve been told that their life has to look like this, if they come from a traditional family who taught them that this was the only way, or if they’re just too obsessed with meeting society’s standards.

Dove si può sbagliare?

Per gli astanti, queste coppie hanno tutto: hanno un lavoro fisso, pagano il mutuo e vanno in vacanza.

Il giorno del loro matrimonio è stato magico, i loro figli sono cresciuti bene, visitano le loro famiglie, trascorrono le domeniche insieme e frequentano altre famiglie simili alla loro.

Ma c'è vero amore tra loro? C'è un vero legame emotivo? Si ascoltano davvero?

Nobody has ever heard them arguing – but you won’t see them kissing either. One question arises here: Are people in scripted relationships robots or human beings?

Convalida

Perché succede?

Le persone che hanno a che fare con varie insicurezze hanno un bisogno incontrollabile di convalida in diverse forme di relazione.

They need someone who will tell them that they’re enough, that they’re doing okay, and that they’re valuable. Otherwise, they won’t see their own worth.

Questo fenomeno inizia di solito nella prima infanzia, quando un bambino chiede la convalida dei genitori, degli amici o degli insegnanti.

However, if they don’t get the right kind and amount of proof that they matter, they’ll continue seeking it through adulthood.

When you’re in this type of relationship, all you need is your partner’s acceptance. Your self-esteem completely depends on their opinion, so you’re also, in a way, co-dependent.

Whatever you do, you do it for them to think that you’re enough. You have the need to prove your worth to them because you don’t have it without their validation.

You constantly wonder if you could do better, if they’re happy with you, and if you’re giving them all you should. The moment you see their dissatisfaction, you’re convinced that you did something wrong.

Pensate troppo a ogni vostra parola e mossa. Vi incolpate di tutto ciò che non va nella vostra relazione, come se non avessero alcuna responsabilità nel vostro rapporto.

Cosa lo rende sbagliato?

Let’s get one thing straight: someone else can never give you confirmation of your worth until you start feeling valuable. It shouldn’t depend on your relationship but your own opinion and feprima persona che incrocia il tuo cammino, e tu staielings.

I’m trying to say that your starting point for change has to be learning how to build your self-confidence.

All the love you’re getting from your partner is completely pointless unless you learn come amare se stessi.

Rimbalzo

Che cos'è?

So, you’ve been in a long term relationship which ended badly. In fact, it’s irrelevant how long it lasted. Truth to be told, maybe it wasn’t an actual relationship in the first place.

Either way, the bottom line is the same: you got your heart broken. I don’t care if it was infidelity, if the other person didn’t want you, abused you, or just didn’t love you enough.

You’re disappointed and see no light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve stopped believing in love and hoping that one day, you’ll find happiness.

Pensi che tutte le donne o gli uomini sono uguali e che tutti ti feriranno come ha fatto il tuo ex.

You don’t see yourself giving your heart to another person ever again, and you gave up on your “happily ever after.”

Quindi cosa fate? Elaborate le vostre emozioni? Aspettate che le cose migliorino?

Do you heal in a healthy way? Do you accept that you’re emotionally unavailable and abstain from any romantic relationships?

No – you do the complete opposite. Si va in giro a risolvere i propri problemi creandone di nuovi, il che, ovviamente, non va mai a buon fine.

Si afferra la prima persona che si incontra e si inizia a frequentarla. Not only that – you also start things seriously.

However, you’re doing it all to forget about your ex. You’re using this person who has nothing to do with your scars, and you’re hurting them the same way you’ve been hurt.

E questo, amico mio, è un tipico esempio di come relazioni di rimbalzo roll. The sad thing is that they’re all around us.

Cosa lo rende malsano?

The problem is that the other person has no clue that they’re your rebound. They have no idea that you’re taking advantage of them and that they’re serving as a bandage for your crushed heart.

That is precisely what makes this entire arrangement wrong and evil – you’re hurting someone harmless in the process. Li guidi tuE date loro una falsa speranza.

Yes, you’re with your BF/GF physically, but mentally and emotionally, you’re somewhere far away. And that is something no person in this world deserves. Basically, you’re no better than your ex.

Quasi

Come avviene?

Quando si inizia a frequentare qualcuno di nuovo, l'ultima cosa che si vuole è apparire disperati.

You don’t want your new boyfriend/girlfriend to think that you’ve hit the jackpot by meeting them or to see you as some loser whose only goal is to find someone to love them.

After all, being emotional is out of style, isn’t it? We’re all acting casual, and the one who shows feelings first is a loser.

So, you don’t put your cards on the table. Passate il tempo e dormite insieme, ma non vi chiedete mai a che punto siete.

You’ve never committed to not seeing other people, even though this is what you’d secretly like to happen. Sperate che la vostra relazione inizi ad assomigliare a qualcos'altro uno di questi giorni.

Il number one problem is that everything looks like you’re in a real relationship, but you’ve actually never defined it.

Sembra tutto perfetto, finché non arriva il momento in cui qualcosa vi disturba. Forse flirtano quasi con altre persone o hanno ancora installato delle app di incontri.

But you can’t say anything, can you? After all, you haven’t made things clear, and they never promised their fidelity.

Sounds familiar, right? Well, this is what’s called an quasi relazione – a trap almost all of us have fallen into at least once.

Perché è dannoso?

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not against these types of relationships. But remember that it’s all fun and games until one of you catches feelings.

And I assure you that this will happen sooner or later. I know what you must think: you’re above that, and you can control yourself.

Well, in most cases – you can’t. So, it’s better not to start these relationships in the first place to avoid any regrets later.

Equilibrato

Che cos'è?

A balanced relationship is basically the one in which you receive just as much as you take. You put in the amount of effort you’re getting from your partner.

Ma sapete cosa dice una famosa citazione? “A relationship isn’t always 50/50. Some days a person will struggle. You suck it up and pick up that 80/20 cause they need you. That’s love.”

What I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t measure the devotion, time, and effort both of you put into a relationship.

But at the end of the day, when you calculate everything, you’re pretty much on the same level.

Neither partner feels like they’re making all the sacrifices. They don’t feel like they’re moving mountains for someone who isn’t ready to move a finger for their sake.

Tutto in questa storia d'amore è equilibrato, compresi i vostri sentimenti.

You’re not the one who loves more, nor does your partner feel like their love is unrequited. You two are equals, and that‘s the magic of it all.

Perché è una relazione sana?

I’ll be straight with you: out of all types of relationships, this is one of the best. Not only that: it also has the most chance of succeeding.

Voi e il vostro partner avete una comunicazione sana. Entrambi date tutto voi stessi e unite le forze per far funzionare le cose.

Nessuno si sente trascurato emotivamente o usato. Nessuno si sente non amato e non desiderato.
You’re 100% into the other person. There are no hidden insecurities or traumas.

Conveniente

Che cos'è?

This one is quite similar to the rebound relationship we’ve already discussed. It is also temporary, and one person doesn’t share the same feelings.

However, when you’re dating someone convenientemente, you’re not doing it primarily to get over a person from your past. You’re not necessarily heartbroken or hurt.

In fact, you don’t even have to be extra careful. In this case, you’re not scared of going through the same hell you went through in your past.

Here, you’re with your boyfriend or girlfriend just because you don’t want to be alone. On the other hand, there is no one better around.

Despite all of your attempts, you can’t seem to find your perfect match. You know exactly what you’re looking for, but sadly, you haven’t crossed paths with your dream guy or girl yet.

So, you start dating the first person that comes along. There is no extreme chemistry here, and you certainly don’t plan on spending the rest of your life with them.

But they’re convenient for the moment. They don’t bother you much, they meet some of your basic standards, you like them to a certain extent, and they keep you company.

It’s better than being alone, isn’t it? Especially if all of your friends are taken, and you could use a plus one.

Perché è un male?

Well, isn’t it obvious how wrong this is on so many levels?

Let’s start with the fact that you’re dragging someone innocent along. You’ll end up breaking their heart with your little games once you leave them for the person who has everything you want.

But not only that: this is also damaging for you. You’re living a lie, and you’re wasting your time on the wrong person while you could be out there searching for your Mr. or Ms. Right.

Tossico

Che cos'è?

You know those relationships where it’s all about the fireworks? You feel like you can’t live without this person, but it’s pretty obvious that you two don’t function well together either.

So, you keep going back and forth. You’ve split up more times than anyone can count, but you always find a way back to each other.

Naturalmente, lungo la strada trascinate altre persone nei vostri casini. Iniziate a frequentare qualcuno di nuovo, ma in qualche modo finite sempre con il vostro ex.

It’s enough for your loved one to look at you to tear down all of your walls. No matter what happens, your love trumps everything.

At least, that is what you think, isn’t it? This must be love – after all, it’s clear that the two of you are meant to be together.

Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a relazione tossica you’ll waste years of your life on.

Perché è così attraente?

It’s in human nature to chase what they can’t have. That is exactly what you two do: you run after each other because you’re both so unattainable.

Even though deep down, you’re sure of your partner’s emotions, you never know their next move. They’re unpredictable, and all of this drama makes you feel more alive.

As much as you hate to hear this, this is anything but healthy. Instead, it’s poisonous, and it will leave severe consequences for your mental health.

A distanza

Che cos'è?

Once again, the name says it all: this is the type of relationship where you’re physically apart from your loved one. But the distance doesn’t impact your love, or at least – it shouldn’t.

Of course, it all depends on how far away you live from each other. Most long-distance couples don’t meet as often as they’d like, and most of the time, they rely on technology.

Dura?

La domanda finale è se le relazioni a distanza funzionano o meno. Come in tutte le cose della vita, non c'è una regola e tutto dipende.

Innanzitutto, è necessario avere un piano. You can’t continue living like this forever, especially if you want to start a family.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you’re both on the same page here.

Chi si sposterà dove? Vi incontrerete a metà strada o uno dei due lascerà la propria vita per raggiungere l'altra persona?

Che ne sarà della vostra carriera, dei vostri amici, dei vostri hobby e della vostra famiglia? Siete davvero pronti a fare questo grande passo? Queste sono tutte le domande a cui dovete rispondere prima di fare qualsiasi cambiamento cruciale.

On the other hand, if you don’t have any concrete plans and don’t talk about the future, what’s the point of your relazione a distanza? Avete intenzione di avere appuntamenti FaceTime per il resto dell'eternità?

Un'altra cosa da dimenticare è l'eccessiva gelosia. Che vi piaccia o no, il vostro partner vive dall'altra parte del Paese, quindi non avete altra scelta che fidarvi di lui.

Incontri

Che cos'è?

When you’re dating, you’re out there on the market. You’re looking for your soulmate, and you’re meeting new people during your quest.

You might find your potential dates on a dating app, on social media, or you’re going on blind or speed dates.

But this is not the only definition of dating. There is also an option when you’re dating only one person at a time, but you still don’t call it a relationship.

Dove può portare?

Either way, dating is completely harmless under the condition that everyone involved knows what they’re getting themselves into.

You have to be clear that you’re not seeing anyone specific and that you’re not ready to be exclusive just yet.

Also, there is nothing wrong if you don’t feel like dating. You’re allowed to flirt and text with someone, but that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to go on a date with them.

The good thing about being on the dating market is that you get a chance to meet a bunch of new people. You won’t like some of them, but you can always remain friends.

D'altro canto, aumenta significativamente le possibilità di incontrare l'uno. Don’t be fooled into thinking that real love has to happen – sometimes you need to put effort into finding it.

It’s not always like in the movies, and you won’t necessarily fall in love with la tua persona per sempre a prima vista.

Sometimes, you’ll go out on a few dates, and then you’ll realize that they stand out from everyone else you might be seeing.

Spontaneously, you’ll become exclusive, start a more intimate relationship, and understand that you’re meant for each other. You know, the old fashioned way.

Amici con benefici

Come avviene?

In poche parole, amici con benefici is a type of intimate relationship when you’re hooking up with someone who is your friend. It’s more than a casual affair in which everything revolves around physical pleasure.

Tra voi e questa persona c'è un legame profondo. Vi capisce, si prende cura del vostro benessere, vi ascolta e si fa viva quando avete bisogno del suo aiuto o di una spalla su cui piangere.

Inoltre, avete una chimica straordinaria e andate d'accordo tra le lenzuola. Quindi, la domanda logica sorge spontanea: in cosa è diverso da una vera relazione e perché non siete esclusivi?

Innanzitutto, questo tipo di relazioni non sono quasi mai pubbliche. Le vostre piccole avventure vengono nascoste, il che le rende ancora più carine ed eccitanti.

Also, you two don’t go out on actual dates. There is no jealousy involved, and you’re allowed to meet and date other people. How perfect is that?

Perché può andare male?

It seems that almost nothing could possibly go wrong here. You get to kiss your best friend whom you’re physically attracted to, but you don’t get the bad sides every romantic relationship brings to the table.

Ma cosa succede quando si incontra qualcuno di nuovo? I know what you’ll say: “we’ll end our little fling.”

Ma lo farete davvero? Continuerete a frequentarvi come se nulla fosse accaduto o uno di voi due finirà per avere il cuore spezzato?

Will you be honest with your partner about the romantic history you had with your friend? If the answer is yes, how do you think they’ll take it?

Saranno d'accordo che voi due rimaniate amici intimi? O vi chiederanno di prendere le distanze dal vostro amico con benefici? In tal caso, chi sceglierai?

Dilemmas, dilemmas, dilemmas. The truth is that it’s quite likely that you’ll find yourself in this situation. And according to relational experts, it will happen sooner than you might think.

Therefore, if you don’t have the answers to all of these questions, I’ll give you a piece of relationship advice: maybe it’s better to stay away from this arrangement.

Un altro motivo per non farlo è la vostra instabilità emotiva. It’s more likely that you’ll innamorarsi del proprio amico (who you already love in a non-romantical way) than with some stranger you’ve just met.

What happens if one person’s feelings grow, but the other’s don’t? The end of your friendship, that’s right.
Do you want to ruin it forever for a few moments of passion? Of course, you don’t. That’s what I thought.

Aperto

Che cos'è?

An open relationship doesn’t equal infidelity. When you’re unfaithful in a monogamous relationship, you go behind your partner’s back.

You deceive them into thinking that they’re the only one in your life while you’re actually backstabbing them with your lover.

In an open relationship, all cards are on the table, without anything hidden. You’re both allowed to see other people, to go on dates, or even to sleep with them.

Tuttavia, qualunque cosa accada, si torna sempre l'uno all'altro. Per quanto possa sembrare strano ad alcuni, alcune coppie amano davvero questo tipo di romanticismo.

They don’t love each other any less than “regular” couples, and they only see this as a little hobby that keeps the spark alive.

Perché è così grave?

Cosa succede quando qualcuno supera il limite? In una relazione aperta c'è sempre una serie di regole: un elenco di cose accettabili e inaccettabili.

Ma si può davvero controllare se stessi? Chi

can guarantee that you won’t fall in love with one of your dates?

Don’t get me wrong: this level of trust is admirable, and not many could stand it. However, things go unplanned in a split second.

Pensieri finali

Alla fine della giornata, ricordate che ogni storia d'amore è unica. Questi tipi di relazioni dovrebbero servire come punto di partenza per identificare la vostra relazione e, auspicabilmente, migliorarla.

Dimenticatevi di quello che diranno gli altri e scegliete l'opzione più adatta a voi.

The only thing that matters is you and your partner’s satisfaction and joy, and nobody else, besides you two have a say in these things.

Also, if you’re intrigued and want to learn more about tipi di relazioni interessanti, date un'occhiata ai nostri nuovi contenuti sul sito poliamoroso.

Allora, qual è il tipo che vi piace di più?