Exploring alternative lifestyles means taking unique approaches to dating and relationships. Our experts understand the nuances of polyamory, kink, and non-traditional paths, offering trusted perspectives.
By: Lexi Inks
Every relationship needs healthy boundaries and communication to work. Non-monogamous relationship styles like polyamory are no exception. As someone who educates about... Read More »
Sex
By: Dr. Frankie Bashan
Conversations about safe sex can be tricky for anyone — when you're poly and sexually active, there can be added... Read More »
Conversations about safe sex can be tricky for anyone — when you're poly and sexually active, there can be added layers to think through. My clients can sometimes get bogged down in the logistics of ethical non-monogamy, but doing it safely is as simple as asking the right questions. Do... Read More »
Commitment
By: Dr. Wendy Walsh
Let me begin with some basic truths from evolutionary psychology: Human beings are wired to reproduce. Parenthood... Read More »
Let me begin with some basic truths from evolutionary psychology: Human beings are wired to reproduce. Parenthood is costly. The labor of raising children is best shared. Thus, serial monogamy evolved as the most common sexual relationship worldwide. Fun Fact: Some researchers say... Read More »
Some of us dream about the kind of romance that musicians write songs about. You know, the kind that fills all the mental space in your head and leaves you blasting "Linger" by The Cranberries with the melodrama of lovestruck teenagers (OK, maybe the last one is just me). But not... Read More »
If you're looking for romance outside of your relationship, Ashley Madison is probably the first dating site that comes to mind. Ashley Madison is a popular dating platform designed for exploring casual dating and fantasies without feeling ashamed or judged. With over 80 million... Read More »
The Short Version: If you’re new to the ethical non-monogamy community or simply want to learn more about it, Nonmono is a go-to educational resource. László Ágoston, Nonmono’s founder and ENM community member, dispelled misconceptions, opened up about his personal experiences, and shared... Read More »
Open relationships seem more popular than ever. Many of us know people who are dating non-monogamously, and if we don't, we're watching reality TV shows about finding a third. As a sex therapist and relationship coach, I'm frequently fielding questions about how non-monogamy works... Read More »
Dating Guides by City
Want to meet singles near you? See our city guides for the best hangouts, bars, clubs, and events in your area.
When it comes to free-loving, the U.S. may be a few steps behind Europe, which has long been overtly comfortable with sex as a part of culture, but a few select cities certainly stand out. Open can mean a lot of things, whether it’s sexual orientation or willingness to reach across... Read More »
“Do you know people my age who are in the swinger lifestyle?” “Do any couples over 60 come to your club?” “Will we fit in?” These are the kinds of questions that Jackie and I get on OpenLove101.com and our club site, ColetteClubs.com. We've been getting more and more lately, so... Read More »
A lot goes into a good dating profile. You need to tell potential matches who you are, what you’re trying to find online, and of course, what you look like, all while keeping it fun and flirty. But when you add unique lifestyle considerations – be they your sobriety, your... Read More »
When you decide to swing, you don't necessarily have this tidy list of pros and cons that occur in succession. It's more of a swirling plethora of emotions as you and your partner explore a new terrain of possibilities within the relationship. What is interesting about this new terrain,... Read More »
Hire a Dating Expert
Need help with your dating life? Browse our directory of 100+ dating coaches and matchmakers ready to help you one-on-one.
Lauren Sanders Matchmaker
Marc Summers Dating Coach
Dr. Terri Orbuch Dating Coach
Anthony Canapi Matchmaker
Sue De Santo Dating Coach
Clients frequently come to me with questions about polyamory and ethical non-monogamy: how it works, whether it's right for them, how they should approach it, or how to navigate dating non-monogamous people. Solo polyamory is often a novel concept for my clients, but one that I... Read More »
Your coworker, Lexi, just moved in with her partner, Joe. You’re at their housewarming party, admiring how in love they are. You fill up your plate with crackers and hummus, and when you return to the table, Lexi is snuggled up against someone else, feeding him fruit. Lexi sees... Read More »
"No unicorn hunters!" You may have seen this written on dating app bios — and indeed, I've seen clients come to me dejected because they feel like they'll never be able to fulfill their threesome fantasies. In some cases, they feel rejected or like their desire to have a... Read More »
