Work can feel like a home away from home, and it\u2019s only natural to form friendships there. You spend so much of your day at the office that bits of your personal life are bound to spill into watercooler chats. But if you\u2019re in an open relationship, a throuple or any other open relationship structure, things can get complicated in the workplace. People might notice, word can travel, and suspicion can fuel gossip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a city as big as London, it can still feel like everyone knows everyone. So you\u2019re left with a question: how do you navigate professional dynamics when you\u2019re in a non-traditional relationship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below are some ideas on how to manage these situations, stay in control of your narrative, and find a balance between privacy and authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
One of the most popular ways forward is to say nothing at all. On the surface, this might be the simplest approach. But there are a few downsides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First<\/em>, people may still find out through the rumour mill because, let\u2019s face it, it\u2019s a small world and people love to talk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Second<\/em>, your relationship structure might be a significant part of your life, and it can be isolating not to share it at all when others are happily chatting about their weekend plans with their partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Staying silent can help you dodge some potential workplace drama, but it can also create it. If colleagues start speculating, the gossip can become more dramatic than the truth. Ultimately, it\u2019s a trade-off: you maintain privacy on one hand but might feel left out or even stoke more curiosity on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another approach is to tell people: straight and simple. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Why concise? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the more energy you give a subject, the more fuel it has to spread. If you treat your open relationship as a matter-of-fact detail of your life, others are likely to follow your lead. Relationship structures outside the norm are becoming more common, so you might be surprised at how few eyebrows are raised if you present the information with calm confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be prepared for questions, and respond with a balanced tone. This shows you\u2019re neither defensive nor ashamed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some colleagues might jump to conclusions, like \u201cIsn\u2019t that just cheating?\u201d or \u201cI could never let my husband do that.\u201d Visualise these responses ahead of time so you\u2019re ready with a cool-headed explanation. If you appear defensive, you risk looking uncertain of your choices. Project self-assurance: it goes a long way<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter how colleagues discover your open relationship structure, there are some challenges to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Misplaced Advances<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Concise Conversation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Navigating the Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Enter Frank from accounting. He\u2019s a likeable enough bloke, but once he hears you\u2019re in a swinger relationship, he might interpret it as an invitation. Some people assume open relationships mean you\u2019re constantly open to sexual escapades, anywhere and with anyone. If you sense this behaviour emerging, set firm boundaries early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n