EP#128 Taking Breaks in Open Relationships

This is a very personal episode for me, as Scott and I are currently taking a break with one of our girlfriends and things on this end are tender.

But I believe in sharing what being in an open relationship in real time is like, and my hope is that my transparency and raw feelings help you in navigating your partnerships, too.

When thinking about taking breaks in open relationships, today I cover:

1. WHY you might need a break

2. What breaks look like

3. Tips for creating a new dynamic that needs less breaks

Why Might You Need a Break (00:00:02) Jennifer discusses reasons for needing a break in open relationships, including feeling overwhelmed and relationship dynamics not working.

Taking a Pause in Relationships (00:01:19) Jennifer shares her personal experience of taking breaks and how it helped in building a solid foundation in her relationship.

Reevaluating Relationship Dynamics (00:02:34) Jennifer explains how breaks can help in reevaluating and changing relationship dynamics when things are not working as expected.

Dealing with Rupture and Repair (00:04:33) Jennifer discusses how breaks can be necessary to deal with ruptures in open relationships and the subsequent repair process.

Reconnecting Between Relationships (00:06:43) Jennifer talks about the importance of taking breaks to reconnect and reset the foundation in relationships between dating other people.

What Breaks Might Look Like (00:08:54) Jennifer provides examples of how breaks can be taken, from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the situation.

Client Example of Breaks (00:11:56) Jennifer shares a client example of taking a break to address issues and renegotiate the relationship dynamic.

Creating Space for a New Dynamic (00:17:24) Jennifer discusses creating space through breaks to establish a new relationship dynamic that aligns with the partners' needs.

Practical Tips for Creating a New Dynamic (00:19:37) Jennifer offers practical tips for creating a new dynamic, including scheduling intentional time, family time, and planning capacity for each partner.

Intentional Intimacy Planning (00:24:10) Jennifer explains how she plans intentional intimacy and time with her primary partner using a calendar.

Scheduled Activities with Primary Partner (00:25:17) Jennifer discusses the activities she schedules with her primary partner on Saturdays, including intimate and fun date nights.

Exploration and Learning in the Bedroom (00:26:26) Jennifer shares ideas for exploration nights with her partner, including hiring a dominatrix and trying new activities.

Time with Multiple Partners (00:30:18) Jennifer explains how she schedules time with her partners, including one-on-one and group activities, to maintain healthy relationships.

Importance of Breaks in Relationships (00:31:18) Jennifer emphasizes the importance of taking breaks in open relationships and provides tips for creating a new dynamic after a break.

Personal Time and Self-Care (00:32:30) Jennifer discusses the importance of personal time for self-care and shares examples of activities that fill her up.

Online Coaching Services (00:34:38) Jennifer promotes her online coaching services, focusing on open relationships, online dating, and conscious uncoupling.

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