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I'm already regretting this post. I know the responses are going to be hateful and exhausting. [I Married Curious]

So I'm married. It's been seven years now, so I should be getting the itch right?

Nope.

I'm very happy with the relationship. There are things that frustrate the hell out of me, but those exist in every relationship. The amount of work I do to take care of her as well as loving her can be exhausting at times. She can be really spiteful and it bothers me. I'm concerned that recently she's started 'reading more right wing stuff' because she's rebounding against the idea that we all need to be educated about racism.

But like I say, none of these are things that stop me from loving her. What's changed during lockdown is my understanding of myself. I've always argued against monogamy in a theoretical way, but being stuck in one place with one person - even someone I love - for these months has made me realise I am not a monogamous person. I guess that makes me polyamorous.

I've talked to her really openly and honestly about this. I've told her I've thought hard about it and explained exactly how I feel. I'd like the opportunity to say yes to situations that come up spontaneously. I've explained that I'm completely capable of falling in love with, and being in love with other people without this diminishing my feelings for her. I've said that there's no danger of me meeting someone and running away with them, because I'd only be interested in exploring with people who understand and respect that I love her and I'm not going anywhere.

She thought about it. Accepted that that's who I am. Went away for two days on a planned trip to see a friend.

When she came back she told me the whole idea made her sad and maybe we should just split up now to save things from falling apart over time. I immediately said this isn't what I wanted, the whole point is that I want to be with her, and be myself.

But I don't know if that's possible.

This is one of the rare posts where I'm actually asking for advice. What should I do?
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SW-User
I’m going to ask you to think beyond yourself for a minute. Just a minute.

What is the best way to give your offspring the best life?

Diddling around with other folks.... or trying to spend your energy with the responsibilities you created?

Nature maybe convincing you that your happiness is more important... but it isn’t. You can choose your happiness over others... that’s fine.

But life isn’t about you. It’s about everything. Even life you created from almost nothing.
CheshireCatalyst · 36-40, M
@SW-User I agree with you. But I don't think this is zero sum. I only have to choose one or the other because that's what society insists I do.
SW-User
@CheshireCatalyst The reason it is zero sum is because at some point.... you're going to have to lie to someone to make your diddling work.

You're either lying to your wife. You're lying to your children. You're lying to your mom. Lying to your friends. You're lying to your target ("hey babe... I have a wife and kid at home but do you want to shag? I'm pretty awesome").

Ultimately, you're lying to yourself.

I only say this because I have a good friend who is a diddler. Always has been... I thought he stopped... but apparently... he always will be.

His lies floated when we would just hang out for a night and have a beer. His lies collided when we went on a four-day hike together. Then a condom accidentally fell out of his kit. He should have just come clean then but I let him be awkward.

[sep]

That's the problem I have with all of this. You convince yourself that diddling is harmless. It isn't. At some point, you are going to have to lie.

Society knows this. Your wife knows this. This isn't about her heart... it's about your soul.