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Dealing with an LDR (Long Distance Relationship), especially an open LDR isn't something for everyone nor is it a very easy thing. Just like any relationship it takes work and commitment, yes commitment. You may be in an open relationship but that does not mean you can violate the bonds of honesty and trust or your open LDR is going to fail. The reason I know this is my relationship began this way.

My relationship like countless others began in the military which meant regular and often long unexpected separations which are no dream scenario to deal with. We were both reasonable enough to understand that we were still going to have certain physical needs that were going to need to be met and as such came to the agreement we would try an open LDR in the case we were apart. As such I've gained more than often enough perspective on how this can work successfully as well as the good and potentially bad aspects of it all.

What was good is that when we gave each other permission to have an open relationship there was no need for secrets, there was no cheating, there was no taboo factor to make being with someone else more attractive. It was simply the ability to do what had to be done to keep each others needs in check. Granted the first couple of encounters were awkward in the sense that it did feel a little dirty, but luckily I spoke up and said what had transpired. While this wasn't met with the same cheer as a ticker tape parade, it was taken in stride and met with a similar story. Once that was out in the open everything fell in place.

While we were together geographically we were only with each other, for the first several years at least, but while we were apart we were still together in a sense, in fact even closer than many people in a similar situation because we allowed an open relationship. There was no need to lie or sneak around or get involved in any form of deceit. It actually enhanced our trust because we knew if we could be honest about intimacy with others (While not going into great detail which wasn't necessary) we could be open and honest about anything with each other regardless of what it was.

It wasn't always easy, there were times when jealousy entered into the picture, or at least something that felt like jealousy. It was more a matter of missing each other, wanting to be together, and that just not being possible. We weren't jealous of each other as we knew exactly what the other was involved in at all times and that when possible we would

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