EP#231: What Monogamous Men Are Missing: Lessons from Open Relationships

<p>What can men in monogamous relationships learn from guys who’ve successfully navigated open relationships?</p><p><br></p><p>Quite a bit, actually.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <strong>The Open Bedroom Podcast</strong>, I’m sharing three skills I’ve seen men develop in ethical non-monogamy that can make <strong>any relationship better—including a completely monogamous one.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>This isn’t an argument for opening your relationship. In fact, my husband and I have closed ours. But there are some things we learned from ENM that I absolutely do <strong>not</strong> want to leave behind.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>🔥 1. Never Stop Leveling Up</strong><br>Long-term relationships can get comfortable—and sometimes <em>too</em> comfortable. We talk about continuing to develop your sexual skills, communication, emotional intelligence, confidence, and yes, even the effort you put into how you show up for your partner.</p><p>I also break down the <strong>5 Erotic Blueprints</strong>—Sexual, Sensual, Energetic, Kinky and Shapeshifter—and why knowing <em>how your partner actually experiences desire</em> can change the way you approach intimacy.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>🔥 2. Stay Curious</strong><br>You don&#39;t need new partners to create novelty.</p><p>I share ways couples can keep exploring together, from toys and workshops to BDSM education, community events, new experiences, or simply trying something neither of you has tried before.</p><p>My challenge: <strong>one night every month dedicated specifically to sexual exploration.</strong> Curiosity is a relationship skill.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>🔥 3. Master Your Damn Calendar</strong><br>Yes, calendar management made the sex podcast. 😂</p><p>One thing ENM teaches very quickly is that managing relationships requires managing <strong>time</strong>. Your partner shouldn&#39;t have to be the household cruise director responsible for remembering every date, commitment and plan.</p><p>We talk about shared calendars and intentionally scheduling different kinds of connection—including <strong>Her/His Night, Sex Exploration Night, and Fun Night</strong>—so your relationship doesn&#39;t get whatever scraps of time are left after everything else.</p><p>The best lesson from ENM may have nothing to do with having multiple partners.</p><p>It&#39;s the idea that <strong>your relationship deserves continued effort, curiosity and intentionality—even after you&#39;ve &quot;gotten&quot; the person.</stro