As millennials, we are generally open-minded about the vast variety of lifestyles that surround us everyd ay. Sexuality, race, gender, etc. –-- we are not phased by the stigmas that mantle us.

But there has been a recent rise in popularity of one specific style in the relationship department that I cannot seem to wrap my head around: “the open relationship.”

For those who may not know, an open relationship, or a “polyamorous” relationship, is the consensual experimentation of non-monogamy between two partners. Basically, it means either partner is free to have intimate emotional and/or sexual relationships with other partners while still remaining committed to their current partner – jealously excluded.

For some people, this may seem like the perfect arrangement. They get to “have their cake and eat it too,” for lack of a better expression. This lifestyle seems to work surprisingly well for some people, and as long as both partners agree to it, who cares what they decide to do?

Personally, though, this type of relationship is not for me. I don’t understand how couples can knowingly agree to let their significant others sleep around with other people without feeling even the slightest twinge of jealousy.

Although the practice of polygamy has been around for hundreds of years and has been a practice among numerous religions (i.e. Sister Wives), the rise in open relationships within our generation has become increasingly popular only in recent years. It almost seems to be a more dedicated play on the “friends with benefits” approach, which is a whole other branch of the unconventional relationship spectrum.

I will reiterate again that if two people decide to live like this, it is perfectly fine – but I would still advise anyone experimenting with an open relationship to be careful and tread the waters lightly, at least in the beginning. I have known acquaintances of mine to delve into the polyamorous lifestyle and it usually does not end well, to say the least. In situations such as these, a myriad of feelings are involved and it is quite easy for someone to unintentionally get hurt.

Additionally, it is my understanding that although this type of relationship sets out to alleviate the stress of containing one’s desires toward other potential suitors, it actually tends to create more stress in its wake. In this type of relationship, whenever one partner is gone, the other is constantly wondering what he or she is doing (or, more specifically, whom.) It is easy for one’s mind to wander when there is a constant possibility that one’s boyfriend or girlfriend may be entertaining the presence of someone else.

I may be a bit old-fashioned for my generation, but I believe monogamous relationships are simply the easier and more rewarding choice of relationship style. I believe there is something distinctively special in being able to devote oneself completely to another. I believe if someone is honest, truly committed to someone else, then that person should be enough.

Some people may be able to find happiness with several partners at once, but for me, I will just stick with one.