One of the best relationships I ever had eventually became LD. And then he found someone local to date. I said “What does this mean to us?”. He said “Just that we won’t be having sex any more.” I loved that he was able to say that and it be true.

Life has gone on and and he monogamously married, but he can still say “I love you, babe.” to me an mean it.

That openness and honesty have been my gold standard for all relationships since then.

FTR, I am polyamorous and, for the last 4 years, have had all my needs met by one romantic relationship and a collection of platonic ones. From the outside, it doesn’t look any different than a secure monogamous relationship. From the inside, it feels like we take less for granted.