Last night’s episode of Basketball Wives found Evelyn confronting Chad about infidelity rumors. Shockingly (or maybe not), audiences witnessed first hand that the soon-to-be bride was willing to accept Ochocinco’s wandering eyes and untamed Johnson. Ev was blatantly clear that she’d rather her fiancé be honest about his rendezvous with women than find out later.
Is this the new healthy relationship?
Women have been conditioned, for some time now, to believe a man is born to cheat, especially if he’s of some high level social status. In the past few seasons of reality TV alone, we’ve watched Chrissy Lampkin and Emily B bear the brunt of cheating rappers, Jennifer Williams ditch a cheating ballplayer and catch rumors of Breezy and Karrueche’s new situation. Have relationships become a not-quite-monogamous commitment where cheating is not only acceptable but justified?
As Chrissy once claimed during Love & Hip-Hop, as long as your man keeps drama away from your front door, all’s fair. If you’re running with this way of thinking, do you! But we’ve got a few rules to keep you from laying a Tami Roman-style smackdown on these hoes.
1. Communication
We can barely stress this key factor enough when it comes to a regular, monogamous relationship. However, in this type of relationship, both parties even more open. The spoken (not written) commitment calls for some things remaining a secret, but we suggest you play with the cards face up. You’re already aware of the infidelity, right? What else is there to hide?
2. Don’t Ask Too Many Questions
Okay, this may conflict with rule #1, but some things are better left unasked. Think: if you ask him how the sex is with another woman, why his phone is off and all the other 19 questions, be prepared for a battle. In a man’s eyes, once you sign the Open Relationship agreement, a lot of details are left unshared.
3. Be Confident in Your Role
Don’t let his gamut of women see you sweat! You’re the one in his home, you’re the one he comes home to and you’re the one who is or will be the mother of his children. As long as he respects that, remains honest and maintains the loyalty, you’re good.
What rules did we miss, Vixens? And if you’re in an open relationship, share your experience!