Opening Up
Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of various non-monogamy styles and structures
- Practical solutions for common poly challenges like jealousy and time management
- Real-life examples from over 100 practitioners of CNM
Cons
- Some examples may feel dated to modern poly practitioners (Published back in 2008)
One of the OG Polyamory Guides
Published back in 2008, this is one of the original polyamory-go-to-reads. Whether a curious couple considering opening up, or a seasoned polyamorist looking to level up relationship skills, Tristan Taormino's groundbreaking (for it's time) guide was our compass in the exciting world of consensual non-monogamy.
Based on 100+ Interviews
Through candid interviews with over a hundred practitioners of various forms of ethical non-monogamy, (as it was called back then) this book offers a realistic, no-nonsense look at what it takes to make open relationships work.
A skilled relationship anarchist, Taormino dismantles conventional wisdom about relationships while building a framework for sustainable polyamory. From kitchen table polyamory to parallel poly, solo poly to hierarchical arrangements, she explores the full spectrum of consensual non-monogamy with characteristic wit and wisdom.
The book doesn't shy away from the tough stuff - jealousy, time management, and yes, even scheduling those Google calendars!
Practical Polyamory 101
What sets "Opening Up" apart is its practical, solution-focused approach to common poly pitfalls. Whether you're navigating metamour relationships, establishing boundaries, or figuring out how to explain your partners to your parents, Taormino provides concrete strategies and real-world examples.
This isn't just theory - it's a practical toolkit for building and maintaining ethical non-monogamous relationships that actually work.
