This question is also posted in Ask The Guys so guys please post your definitions there, but feel free to comment.
I've seen the expression "committed relationship" in several threads but what does it mean to you?
Quote by Mrs_Rabbit
Committed relationship on Lush?
I am in one. To me it means the relationship comes before anything else. I respect him by not cybering, roleplaying, or flirting with other people on the site(and on the internet, period). I don't post sexual content on other peoples pages and they don't post on mine. I don't post in the game forum, saying I would suck, fuck, sleep, lick, whatever with anyone. Basically it comes down to committing to one another all our sexual energy, love, and time.
It is different to everyone though, that's just us!
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Quote by Dancing_Doll
I think committed means you take your partner's needs and wants into consideration before making decisions that have the potential to affect you as a couple. You're thinking as 'we' more than just acting on individual wants when it comes to sex, flirting and monogamy.
I can't define it by drawing a line at 'monogamy' though. Each couple is different and have different needs/wants and expectations of their partner. Some encourage flirting, some might be open to threesomes or swinging or more.
You can be committed emotionally (ie. love) but then have a different outlook on recreational sex. This has to be mutual though. As long as there's no deception involved and a feeling that the person you're with comes above all others in some way, then I think you can consider yourself 'committed'.
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I think committed means you take your partner's needs and wants into consideration before making decisions that have the potential to affect you as a couple. You're thinking as 'we' more than just acting on individual wants when it comes to sex, flirting and monogamy.
I can't define it by drawing a line at 'monogamy' though. Each couple is different and have different needs/wants and expectations of their partner. Some encourage flirting, some might be open to threesomes or swinging or more.
You can be committed emotionally (ie. love) but then have a different outlook on recreational sex. This has to be mutual though. As long as there's no deception involved and a feeling that the person you're with comes above all others in some way, then I think you can consider yourself 'committed'.
Quote by BelleduJour
I'm going to have to agree with this. When it comes to dating and relationships, I'm actually quite "old fashioned" so being committed to someone for ME would indeed be the "we" DD speaks of except that I would draw the line at monogamy, absolutely. But again, I can only speak for ME.
As DD so eloquently put it, each couple is different and each have their own unique take on what constitutes a committed relationship. I think as long as couples are on the same page about the "rules" within their own respective unions, then calling themselves committed doesn't offend me in the least. More power to them.
Quote by dpw
So you, pesonally, have a moveable definition depending on your partner?
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I have, yeah.
I've had different relationships - some where he was ok with certain things and I wasn't and also vice versa. I've had completely monogamous relationships, ones where occasionally hooking up with a female friend was 'allowed' or even encouraged, others where it was at first but then he decided he was not ok with it. One where we had a couple of threesomes, which I encouraged. I think it's a moving dialogue. As long as people are on the same page and there's no deception, I still consider that committed.
Kissing another girl, for example, isn't being 'monogamous' but there's a lot of guys out there that would be totally fine with their GF or wife doing that. I don't think that means that it's not a committed relationship. I think it means different things to different people and even depending on the nature of the individual relationship. If I love the person, I play by the rules we set for each other. I may want to do something else, but I won't because it makes him uncomfortable. I'm still putting his needs before my free-instincts.
It's still a committed relationship, you're just re-defining it, rather than taking the basic one-size-fits-all definition of it.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I have, yeah.
I've had different relationships - some where he was ok with certain things and I wasn't and also vice versa. I've had completely monogamous relationships, ones where occasionally hooking up with a female friend was 'allowed' or even encouraged, others where it was at first but then he decided he was not ok with it. One where we had a couple of threesomes, which I encouraged. I think it's a moving dialogue. As long as people are on the same page and there's no deception, I still consider that committed.
Kissing another girl, for example, isn't being 'monogamous' but there's a lot of guys out there that would be totally fine with their GF or wife doing that. I don't think that means that it's not a committed relationship. I think it means different things to different people and even depending on the nature of the individual relationship. If I love the person, I play by the rules we set for each other. I may want to do something else, but I won't because it makes him uncomfortable. I'm still putting his needs before my free-instincts.
It's still a committed relationship, you're just re-defining it, rather than taking the basic one-size-fits-all definition of it.
Quote by thesexynun
I love what mrs rabbit said...all of that and more!
but let me add this...
not doing anything that YOU know for a FACT would hurt him or her
and I am sorry to say this as I ADORE lush and all the people here
but if you know that your partner would be so upset that you are on this site
why do it?
being committed means putting their feelings first
respect in all ways
I don't think you or DPW or I am old fashioned
just true blue lovers
(now if your partner doesn't mind isn't jealous is ok with an open arrangement I am NOT talking to you
I am talking to the men an women on here who know that this will hurt their loved one)
awesome thread my lovely man!
Quote by dpw
I understand this but having a moveable definition must be difficult. I only ever had one but had relationships that I wouldn't class as being committed.
I've been a terrible slut in my time, almost beyond belief, but I was always monogamous when I was in a relationship.