When my boyfriend first suggested the idea of swinging, I nearly choked. The idea that my partner wanted to have sex outside of our relationship was a bitter pill to swallow, and my head raced with questions. Could I stomach seeing him intimate with another woman, and what if she was better than me? Would he ultimately leave me for someone else? The voice in my head told me vividly, swinging was just not for me - it was something other people did. Besides, we had a happy, loving relationship. It seemed like an unnecessary problem to give myself.
It's not that I was sexually prudish. As a bisexual woman, I had experimented with both men and women before, just not while in a relationship. But I loved and trusted my boyfriend, so around 10 years ago, shortly after that initial conversation, I found myself open to discussing the possibility of swinging.
He explained it didn't mean he didn't love me deeply, and stated very frankly that he wasn't interested in romantic relationships with anyone else. It was purely about sexual exploration together, nothing deeper than that.
And the more I thought about it, the more I warmed to the idea. I'd always wanted to explore my bisexuality further, but felt it was something I couldn't do without damaging our relationship.
I decided to sit my boyfriend down and express my feelings around my sexuality, and entertained the idea that swinging could be a good place to start. While it was a relief to get everything out in the open, actually throwing myself into the deep end was a challenge all of its own.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year
Fix a festive FALL-OUT
Had too much of a good thing? Our expert tips will help you feel better quickly
Reunited for CHRISTMAS
After his rocky TV comeback, ts Philrelying on wife Steph this holiday season?
'I don't want a THREE DAY HANGOVER'
Lorraine Kelly on how she’ll be spending her first Christmas as a grandma
Mistletoe AND WINE
All Rose wanted was a little extra sparkle at Christmas
Would you spend more ON THE DOG THAN ON YOUR HUSBAND?
Brits are happy to fork out more on their pets’ gifts than on their other half’s, according to a study. We investigate….
A new ACT OF BETRAYAL
King Charles misses Harry 'desperately' but has the trust gone, writes Emily Andrews
PRINCE ANDREW AND FERGIE ARE EXPECTED FOR CHRISTMAS!
After a tough year for William and Kate, the Waleses are looking forward to Christmas and catching up with the Royal Family – including, it seems, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.