The modern love guide listing all relationship types

The times when we could only choose between ‘married’ or ‘eternally single’ are long gone. Nowadays, love is a buffet where you can serve yourself just what you like. Whether you love the security of one person or the adrenalin of an open playfield: these are the current flavors.

The classic monogamous match

Still the favorite for many: you and your partner against the rest of the world. No fuss, no other faces between the sheets and complete emotional exclusivity. It’s the safe haven you always return to, provided you keep things a little spicy of course.

The open relationship for adventurers

You love each other dearly and the foundation is rock solid, but you sometimes look outside the relationship for physical extras. In an open relationship, you agree that sex with others is allowed, as long as your heart stays with your steady partner. It’s the ultimate way to explore your desires without putting your relationship at risk.

Polyamory: more is more

Why limit your heart to one person when there’s so much beauty out there? With polyamory you go for multiple deep relationships at the same time. It’s not just about the sex, but about true love and connection with multiple people. It requires a master ’s degree in communication, but the reward is a life full of different kinds of warmth.

The freedom of solo poly

You are your own main partner and you want to keep it that way. You do have relationships and thoroughly enjoy sex and intimacy with others, but you wouldn’t dream of parking your toothbrush elsewhere or taking out a joint mortgage. Autonomy is the key word here.

Monogamish: the golden mean

You are basically monogamous, but you’re not holier-than-thou. Going to an exciting party every now and then, or shamelessly flirting (and maybe a little more) on holiday? That should be possible. It is monogamy, but with a little naughty edge that keeps the rut out the door.

Situationships and friends with benefits

Don’t care for the drama of an ‘official’ relationship but still crave that connection? The situationship is the ideal grey zone: you do everything couples do, but without the obligations. Are you only into the physical without the romantic talk? Then friends with benefits is your go-to form.

The time when we had to squeeze ourselves into a too-tight box is officially over. Whether you choose the indestructible foundation of monogamy or the boundless freedom of solo poly, what matters most is that the form works for both you and your partner(s). Because in the end, it comes down to that one simple question: does it make you happy?