Are We In An Open Relationship? | Borderline Inappropriate Ep. 02

‪@MerleONeal‬ & ‪@Aria.Inthavong‬ discuss consensual non-monogamy, specifically open relationships, and share whether or not this taboo lifestyle is something they've ever considered exploring.
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[@BorderlineInappropriate]

As always, an extended, ad-free version of this episode is available on Patreon with almost 10 additional minutes of gossip, shenanigans, and Lucille: www.patreon.com/BorderlineInappropriate Either way, thank you so much for all the love, support and helpful feedback so far on the podcast. It means so much to us, and we're incredibly excited to continue having these convos with you all and growing our community! 💙

[@annafrancu7751]

😊😊😊❤❤❤❤😮ll😊

[@alexbin77]

Having two husbands is not feasible for me. What will I get out of it? Exchanging bodily fluids is overrated in my opinion. Sex is overrated. I would rather spend my energy on one man who I have a lot in common with and who I have a connection with and enjoy doing things and adventure with him. I would rather spend my resources and energy on that.

[@alexbin77]

I use to have many partners in highschool and iI didnt enjoy it. I would rather just have one.

[@mikeallen4633]

@BorderlineInappropriate Aria you could do way better, don’t stay in a loveless relationship tht lady seems mean af, maybe she wanted to be married and is resentful it didn’t happen but still her face and what she saids it’s clear

[@haraf8]

This relationship is trainwreck I cannot glue my eyes off, I'm watching every episode faithfully 👀

[@biancaneves3346]

Rule #1 of KZbin: When there's a question in the title, the answer is no.

[@petrificustotalus9307]

The last time I was regularly watching them, was I think 2021. The dynamic changed since then, I hope they stay okay though

[@rodvincetolosa9386]

Imo if you think that being exclusive with a single person is "gritting your teeth, bear it" and "slog along" maybe that person really isn't for you. By the sound of it and the words used, you seem to find that person exhausting.

[@Updog89]

Yup.

[@ViCT0RiA6]

yeah, it should never feel like that if the love is there

[@yaneznayoui1597]

I think when you're with someone for a very long time most people do end up feeling somewhat like this. There's studies that show that after 7 years with someone you do tend to bore. To truly stick it out there has to be some motivation and self will beyond just mere love.

[@aboutmillions]

From the BuzzFeed documentary to now it's always seemed that Merle is the dominant one in the relationship. Aria just kind of goes with whatever Merle wants. It's always looked like he's loved her more than she's loved him. From her wanting to go through a hoe phase in Australia to being trapped in a relationship. I hope they just peel off the bandaid and go their separate ways. She seems miserable & he seems like he's trying to do all the work to keep them together. Weird dynamic tbh

[@leahklatt3873]

is merle happy

[@ArshaGoswamy]

As a feminist, I'm so incredibly offended by her saying that monogamous relationships are a product of patriarchy. Do men not curb their 'sexual desires' to be loyal in a monogamous relationship? Is it just women?

[@keenanmartin7691]

This is the least feminist take I have ever heard 😂

[@ArshaGoswamy]

@@keenanmartin7691 I'm sorry that you feel that way. Humans are not animals and monogamy is not against our natural biological desires and I don't care what scientists say. Nobody can explain sociology and psychology completely through science because they're not based in science, they're based in human connections that are complicated. Modern women too have the desire to be monogamous/have their partners be monogamous. It's not conditional consent, it's human psychology. And none of this means that monogamous people are against polyamory. Just don't come up with nonsense and blame our legit feelings on society and call it unnatural.

[@ArshaGoswamy]

@@keenanmartin7691 well then I'm sorry you feel that way. Trying to manipulate a feminist into believing that her feelings are against her own natural instincts and a product of patriarchy is also anti-feministic, I hope you understand that.

[@yaneznayoui1597]

@@ArshaGoswamy It's almost like feminism means to you that a person must capitulate to your perspective simply because you're a woman. What in the authoritarianism?

[@ArshaGoswamy]

@@yaneznayoui1597 when you bring the term 'patriarchy' into use, you are trying to say to women that this is something they must renounce in order to be 'free'. How does wanting to be monogamous as an individual feel like a product of patriarchy to you? It's individual choice, and the ability to make individual choices is what makes feminism. She's free as an individual to do with her body and relationships as she pleases but as an influencer should be mindful of what she's saying infront of people. The right to speech doesn't mean you should blurt out stupid shi on the internet 🤣

[@havana55]

To me this relationship feels like it is doomed to fail, but maybe I am wrong. I like the topics of this podcast, but Merle has such negative vibes, both verbal and non-verbal, while Aria is very light hearted and seems genuinly like good and fun person.

[@Frank-db2lb]

You are so correct. She seems so manipulative and Aria just gives in and accepts it

[@lilith7706]

Ikr! She looks so serious and gives out the vibe like she doesn't even want to be in this podcast in the first place. She's mostly bubbly and positive on her channel. Totally weird vibe here.

[@hynnow18]

Every person with their heads in the clouds needs a realist to bring them back down. I’m disappointed this is the 2nd time you’ve put this judgement on their videos. When I’m nervous, very in my head, and have to do things spontaneously, I also sound like Merle. I often wonder why people keep inviting me to things and into conversations. When I have a full thought or plan, then I can sound like Aria

[@havana55]

@@hynnow18 we all have our opinions. We should respect that. I respect that you think the way you think, and you shouldn't be dissapointed by my comment. As I am not with yours, it is your opinion and you have every right to think like that, as do I. I still stand by my comment. Hopefully I am wrong

[@Frank-db2lb]

@@hynnow18 She literally said to his face that she doesn’t want to be his sexual partner for life and will consider doing it with others. I’m sorry but nope

[@christineg6123]

They are incompatible. Merle is nonmonogamous and Aria isn't. She seems so bored of Aria.

[@DareSB7]

Lets just take what she says on face value. No need to assume things.

[@AlliandoX]

Well she did say she's the type to just be miserable until they break up with her

[@mariemaier5630]

Wrong she says she used to be that type. Big difference

[@Frank-db2lb]

I absolutely see this thank you

[@karanchandnani8169]

Merle is not attracted to Aria anymore. They are together because they are in a comfort zone. Aria is playing submissive by agreeing everything she is saying. Because he doesn't care. Your therapist is doing a bad job, you both need to break up. And go live a life you aspire to. Stop being miserable. It's so depressing to see you both like this.

[@mynameisjoyous]

Lmao woahhhh i was reminded of them today and researched them and found this podcast, from the MOMENT i saw the look on merle’s face in the first podcast episode, i knew i couldnt watch it and felt triggered because they both seem deeply unhappy. And then i clicked on this vid and saw this comment first and felt a lot of validation in how i was feeling,, even now im writing this and its playin in the background and merle already started with her defense up and pitting herself and viewpoints against religiosity, and now im hearing aria explain hes a buddhist. Homegirl feels TRAPPED as hell, and it seems to be a mental prison of her own making. Unless aria is holding something against her???? She seems trapped.

[@mynameisjoyous]

God and i feel bad because they might be reading all of this now. But i feel like its natural to be worried or empathize with people who seem unhappy or tense. Like merle feels tense and aria feels ashamed.???? But i know im projectig my own personal experiences onto these STRANGERS online. Vibez just feel weird and i’d rather this be a podcast between two friends that previously dated and discuss the journey of still having a relationship after a romantic relationship. That may also even help with viewership! Its a novel thing and a couple we last remember as being very jovial and romantic seeming, itd be interesting to see a public healthy breakup

[@leonore3349]

@@mynameisjoyous Maybe she feels trapped because this is the way that relationships always go for her. For a lot of people actually. The fairy tale never lasts. Maybe the domesticity, familiarity and security make her feel bored, trapped and disillusioned. But there's no point in leaving if the same happens in the following relationship. I could be projecting.

[@florence.5088]

I'm kind of confused because Merle openly talked on her channel about not enjoying sex that much, yet in the last episode she mentioned wanting to be a slut in Australia and now in this episode she's considering open relationships 🤔 It's not really adding up.

[@SyreLikeAFire]

maybe she doesn’t enjoy sex with specific people…and just enjoys the non-sexual aspects of her relationship but enjoys sex with the right one night stand 🤷🏾‍♂️ or maybe she just started recently enjoying sex (like late bloomer?) just my bizarre attempt at an explanation but i am not Merle (obviously) so these may not be the reasons at all and it’s not really our business to make sense of her sudden change in desires..

[@AlliandoX]

Hope we get this question answered in another podcast

[@mariemaier5630]

She went to therapy for that. So I assume she was able to resolve her issues

[@NovoTerra]

You’re right! Makes no sense 🤔

[@jinzhouliu4]

1 + 1 + 1 = She wants out.

[@petrificustotalus9307]

I feel like they switched roles? Like at first Merle used to be the sunshine but now something is different about her and it’s like Aria is trying to cover as the sunshine role? Idk what it is

[@AM-wg4ii]

It’s not for me, I’ve never had any desire for it and listening to you talk about it really makes me say “yeah. For sure not interested.” But totally support others doing it if it works for them and both parties are consenting.

[@DareSB7]

Hey me too, for financial reasons.

[@sleepyalways4061]

IVE ALSO STAYED AT STAY PINEAPPLE IN SEATTLE AND I DIDNT EVEN make the connection between the hotel name and swingers. i went with my mom LMAO

[@ehoneunsilencedvoice4235]

In my opinion, it's honesty and communication that make or break any type of relationship. My philosophy toward anyone I meet is simple, as long as you are happy and you're not hurting anyone, you are welcome in my life. Nice open podcast tackling some heavy topics; good job guys. :)

[@umfairy4079]

born and raised in asia too! not as exposed to open relationships. i’m really glad you guys are here, talking about it and challenging different perspectives (while also respecting everyone’s different views x). thanks guys

[@BorderlineInappropriate]

[@CharlesGoldSkinned]

Im half Malaysian on my dad;s side and half British American on my moms side and I'm rather picky when it comes to finding a girlfriend. I think my parents instilled in me to be careful and be picky in choosing partners thus I only fall in love once in a blue moon, dude.

[@JohnDoe-pg9oq]

Some of these comments are exactly why I’m happy Merle and Aria started this podcast. This is an important topic to discuss even if you don’t personally want an open relationship. The reality is that a relatively high percentage of marriages end in divorce and more than half are because of infidelity. If we never have conversations like these or challenge commonly accepted “truths” how can we ever expect things to get better?

[@Beeshoney426]

Open relationship takes a lot of trust. It’s definitely not for everyone. It’s either you accept it for the way it is and be happy with the changes, accept it for the way it is and be unhappy because of attachment, or depart ways while loving each other unconditionally

[@ViCT0RiA6]

i respect you guys alot for this convo, but damn i couldnt, flirting, considering polyamory? maybe thats just not your person.. i know my relationship and what we have naturally and can do with/to eachother, we are together for over half a decade and still becoming more excited about eachother and everytime we are together we think it cant be topped but we do top it even more everytime we spend time together without even trying to and its literally us just being together without doing anything extravagant. idk, its a chemistry thing, its there or not, because its there we naturally respect eachother without being weird or extreme about things, and we express how lucky we are for finding eachother everyday, theres no other desire and i feel that security in my whole body from both myself and my love. but this type of love and connection is also very very rare im aware. regardless you guys are good people

[@AlliandoX]

Aria just loves Merle too much to let her go so he accepts all these things (in my opinion)

[@aboutmillions]

@@AlliandoX same thing i was thinking...

[@ryand1384]

How often does Aria think of the Roman Empire?

[@NovoTerra]

Yo just break up already, damn! this chick should not keep dragging this dude along any longer 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@agrqzi5808]

A lesbian here. I'm very monogamous because I feel like I want to be with one person. I've observed that many queer people are not very monogamous. I feel heterosexual people kinda feel like they have to be monogamous even if they want to. If it wasn't such a taboo, there would be equal polygamy in heterosexual relationships.

[@alexbin77]

Polygamy is just too draining for me. It drains my energy, my emotional state, my resources and my finances. I did it in highschool but didnt like it. As I age, I also found out that sex isnt everything. I can find meaning in the simpliest of things like hiking, travelling, shopping, cooking. Right now, I only have one partner who I connect with and who i have a lot in common with.

[@omkargovekar6680]

500 days of Merle

[@aboutmillions]

this is the vibe i get from her lol

[@uli11]

I was poly from my entire 20s up until last year. Now I am desiring a 'monogamish' situation. Things can change and its okay. Open relationships can take so many shapes! Talk about the possibilities with your partners, folks! Also define what monogamy, open, etc... means. Be very specific, because certain behaviors mean different things to different people!

[@shellyt556]

I think life is complicated as it is so having open relationships would provide some instability for me that I am not sure I am ready for and ever will be.

[@Samplaceholder]

Doesn't seem like true Love here. I'm sorry Aria.

[@AlliandoX]

Idea for the next podcast, views on marriage?

[@SunnyInSecond]

I’m not sure how I feel about knowing this about them… 😂

[@DareSB7]

My wife said if he had two boyfriends, it can be a headache. She'll be drained.

[@DareSB7]

Yo Merle, You said religion is a factor as to why society is pressured to have monogamous relationships. Islam permits polygamous relationships. I got a few Muslim friends from Indonesia and I asked them about this topic they said yes, it's okay for men to have many wives BUT in reality, the majority of Muslims choose to only have one partner because only the very rich higher class Muslims can afford having many partners, like the kings.

[@ginsoakedgirl4]

Polygamy is very different from polyamory lol

[@strangersontheinternet]

If it’s only ok for men to have multiple wives but not for women to have multiple husbands… then it’s harem type relationship… not polygamy

[@ViCT0RiA6]

and even then so the Qu'ran still discourages multiple wives and only permitted it because of a time during war where there were many orphan children due to so many men dying.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

So happy to see a new episode! Also, I will say that Blonde/Frosted Tips Era Aria is so hot. Well done 🔥

[@tiffanylewis5416]

It sounds to me like "i love her, ill do whatever she wants " dude. She is being so condensing . If she wants to be ope then what the hell does she care of he says anything to anyone?? SHES DEFINITELY PROJECTINGG coming from the girl who had several posts f her being insecure of her sexuality to where she posted vids of herself naked to post herself naked?

[@utooba24]

My relationship was open for about two years, we closed the relationship back up about 5 or 6 years ago. It honestly made our bond stronger, I don't think we would still be together if we hadn't done it. It takes a lot of communication and trust to do right, I think it shows a lot more trust between the two partners than a conventional monogamous relationship. It actually wasn't as debaucherous as we imagined it would be, which is partly why we ended up closing our relationship back up. But I'm very glad we did it, otherwise we would've continued wondering and resenting each other and feeling trapped, which I think would've ended in a breakup. It worked in "getting it out of our system" without ruining our relationship, which is a risk you have to take when opening a relationship, but it's very rewarding on the other side. Also, what's with these negative comments? There's only a few but they're really ruining it for the whole bunch. Whatever happened to if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all? I'm glad Merle and Aria aren't afraid to discuss these unconventional types of relationships, they need to be discussed more. Life isn't reddit, guys, and reddit is mostly fake anyway. Open your minds.

[@hilaryh110]

I think an indicator of longevity and health in a monogamous relationship is having contempt for one another, there are some great articles and studies about this! I think once someone goes down that road, monogamy isn’t desirable anymore even if it had started out that way.

[@missellehansen]

If we could have a crossover with you two and The Poly Couple I would be sooooooo happy

[@lauriannebastien4815]

Yessss totally agreed ❤

[@RUNESANEINTHEBRAIN]

Opening up about your relationship and the struggles and complexities within it is a difficult task to undertake. Props to Merle and Aria to open up so candidly about these challenges and hardships, it helps normalize healthy relationship building and normalizes dialogue. There is some cruelty to be platforming what currently is the top comment in this comments section, what a cruel, heartless, and thoughtless statement to make without any care for the bigger picture. Keep on doing what you two are doing, wishing nothing but love.

[@JulieVeganEats]

Loving this podcast so far. Would love to see you talk about watching porn/OF. I personally don’t see it as cheating at all. But I have some friends who feel very strongly against it

[@BorderlineInappropriate]

Thanks for the support! It's on the listttt 👀

[@CharlesGoldSkinned]

Personally, I can't do multiple girlfriends. I'm kinda picky with it comes to love, bru. Im in my late 20s and I only had 2 serious girlfriends since birth. I dont easily fall in love or have crushes.

[@ViCT0RiA6]

you are a much more powerful man than you realize

[@samiam74]

This was a fabulous topic. It's not something I personally identify with, but feel that it needs to be discussed. There are people who truly aren't meant to be in monogamous relationships. I think it comes down to really listening to your own self and knowing what you want out of life. I'd love to see an episode about having and not having children for women. I am an almost 50 year old woman who chose not to have children. People seem to have misconceptions about this. They like to assume that either I don't like children (not true) or that I was unable to have children (also not true). I simply knew myself well enough from a young age that I knew being a mother was not something I was meant to be. I had a wonderful example of what a mother should be (my mom is my real life hero). I also have women in my life who I truly feel were absolutely meant to be mothers and I admire them and love being Auntie to their children. I used to think that I had to justify my personal life decisions to people who were essentially strangers. It seemed that they always wanted to question it. I feel for younger women going through this. I no longer justify it, but I believe that's just come with age. Love the show. Only 2 episodes in, and I am HOOKED. I love your dynamic together. You compliment each other well in your differences and similarities. You both definitely create a comfortable listening and supporting atmosphere. In the age we live in, this is appreciated and I appreciate both of you.

[@Cuflhoh]

I'm glad you all are open and honest talking about these subjects. I can't imagine hiding/suppressing thoughts/emotions or have fear speaking to my partner about literally anything.

[@cassynedelisky796]

I've been in an open relationship, it wasn't something I had considered doing until I met this man. Honestly it didn't go really well due to a lack of communication but it actually opened me up to the idea of doing it again under different circumstances. And even if I never do it again I appreciate how it helped me work through my jealousy issues. Oh, and he is bisexual.

[@Beeshoney426]

Open relationship takes a lot of trust. It’s definitely not for everyone. It’s either you accept it for the way it is and be happy with the changes, accept it for the way it is and be unhappy because of attachment, or depart ways while loving each other unconditionally It’s very hard if you’re monogamous and force yourself to be polyamory. It’s like forcing yourself to be straight but you’re really gay. I don’t think monogamous is patriarchial. It can be if people slut shame. But in open context, people have preferences in relationship and that is okay. We don’t have to be ashamed or shame others for differences. We are open to explore and see if it is what we like and don’t like. We don’t have to explain ourselves why we like what we like. We can just like it because we do. Personally for me, I’m not too in the social in the world, so a polygamy relationship takes too much effort for me. I like to focus on one person at a time. More than one person feels like I’d get distracted. I’d imagine it being like adding varieties into relationship and it’ll be adding fun in polygamy, something different to spice life up a bit? lol I’m naturally more traditional but not too traditional in a patriarchy sort of way. I have more masculine energy for a female and my partner is more feminine for a man. Everybody comes in different ways 😊

[@BrianThrives]

I love your willingness to talk about this! Great communication.

[@lijntje266]

The best comment from a docu i ever heard was this girl in a polyamamorous relationship say. " when i feel jealous i DONT just point to the other person like most people going .. your doing something thats making me jealous you need to change your behaviour. BUT go look at myself. What has changed? What am i feeling that is causing this feeling. And what can i do to change that?" It felt and still kinda feels like the most powerfull thing someone ever said xD also good rule with all these kind of open relationships is. ALL feelings ever are valide..

[@BorderlineInappropriate]

Wow this is really interesting and pretty profound, thank you so much for sharing

[@cekane88]

Okay I'll admit I came to the comments to see if someone could answer this question without having to slog through the entire podcast. I like Aria and Merle, but I hate podcasts 😅

[@BetaniaCosmos]

Hey guys! My husband and I talk about liking other people in a open way, we don't have an open relationship but we both have present that at any given moment we can like other persons, because as human beings are nature is completely sexual. So that keeps away any stress off our shoulders. We love each other but it's important to be realistic

[@sweetsapphiresunseed]

If everyone is an adult and in agreement then you can do as you please. ❤

[@MerleONeal]

Agreed!

[@Wazaaaa-c7h]

Aria move to Finland!! 🇫🇮 Lots of Finns, Thais, Asians, anyone into monogamous relationships are hereeee. You guys can travel the world together❤

[@kein_gott.staat.patriarchat]

Sexuality is not a lifestyle bro :D

[@DareSB7]

As for my two cents on the topic, I choose to only have one partner for financial reasons. Like havng two partners is tough financially even mentally. I have a buddy in highschool and he's got a wife, and two girlfriends. He was always broke and the girls in his life was always feuding. And he died at 39.

[@alexbin77]

Funny but true.

[@AlliandoX]

My friend was in a poly relationship and he said it was double the problems XD

[@otea-app]

I'm sorry this cracked me up

[@radhikam6878]

Merle, I love your content on the other channel. I was very excited for the podcast. I currently am not liking the podcast discussions. I hope up guys discuss topics outside of relationship. Love you 🤍

[@sockpuppet1]

Merle, if you can't be intimate with somebody unless you have an emotional relatiosnhip, would you then start a number of emotional relationships with other people?

[@AlliandoX]

Contradicts her desire to "be a slut in Australia"

[@hynnow18]

I admit to enjoying the secondhand ootz from your Buzzfeed videos. It was a realistic progression from crush, flirting, dating, and coupledom. It was a genuine connection forming without added dramatics, music, or contrived tension. Having it on camera also allows re-viewing those feel-good, down-to-earth moments. Even with that, I was not expecting the “Disney couple” comment which made me chuckle, bc I do see how the attention can feel like you’re put on a pedestal, gets invasive, and adds pressure. Whether together or apart, thank you for being ok with sharing and your openness

[@taishahw1696]

Flirtation in a monogamous relationship is risky behavior. You even acknowledged the potential risks with flirting with coworkers or neighbors etc. And as a couple currently discussing potentially opening your relationship, it wouldn't seem wise for couples committed to monogamy to take your advice and begin adding flirting to their relationships (*if flirting currently makes them uncomfortable). 👀🤷‍♀️ I'm happy that you have both found partners who can evolve and be happy with the new path your relationship may be taking. And for the millions of people who share your interests in open relationships and or flirting {as a hobby}, I'm sure your advice will be both beneficial and comforting. ❤

[@ViCT0RiA6]

yeah i had too many married/taken men try to flirt with me and see how far they can take it for me to be comfortable with this, cause if id let them theyd take it very far... hell to the no lol yall b safe tho

[@justin_g_smith]

Not to take away from the very important discussion but I howled at your impression of Aria flirting. Spot on!!

[@nurhan8897]

Arka and merle please dont listen to some people Herr they are not in your shoes and dont kkow anything about you they judge you or Text to manipulate you but you guys know yourswlf best so please Decide on your own

[@leonore3349]

I'm getting less and less jealouse with age.

[@PsycheAi]

I don’t think I’m secure enough to have an open relationship. Ofc I say all this when I’m not in any romantic long term relationship whatsoever! Lol

[@cassynedelisky796]

It's ironic that Christianity is so against consensual non-monogamy when so many of their revered bible characters had many wives.

[@mikeallen4633]

@cassynedelisky796 Many of the men that chose to have multiple partners did it to exude power and status. Which is obv wrong to do, In Genesis, when Lamech has 2 wives Adah and Zillah there’s name tells you their position in that marriage. The 1st wife is look as a shiny ornament as for the 2nd wife the shadow. Bc it’s not natural to need more than one partner. Even in biology many animals mate with one and remain as a pack. Read the bible it has many stories that showcases in depth why we should pray and love one person

[@nataliegonzalez95]

They are not going to make it.

[@AlliandoX]

Well I could see it coming since Merle has been vocal in other videos about their differences (vegan/meat eater, her video about sex being difficult for her, height and different cultures)

[@BrianThrives]

Your opinion is noted.

[@SpoonsForks]

you mentioned you love watching horror movies, care to indulge us on your favorites? :)

[@BorderlineInappropriate]

Maybe you just suggested a future episode!!

[@mikeallen4633]

Aria is an amazing speaker only like this podcast cos of him. As for his girl saying that open relationship is seem bad bc of religion. lady for once read the bible b4 judging it and making assumptions. In Genesis, when Lamech has 2 wives Adah and Zillah there’s name tells you their position in that marriage. The 1st wife is look as a shiny ornament as for the 2nd wife the shadow. Bc it’s not natural to need more than one partner. Even in biology many animals mate and stay with one. Stop assuming Merle, respect ur bf and take interest in his religion than being a foul person.

[@alexbin77]

Like Merle, i too felt stuck in my relationship at one point, but I didnt look for another man. I just looked for new hobbies. Also, my boyfriend at that time FINALLY PROPOSEDTO ME, and that ignited something i our relationship that has been lost.

[@mikeallen4633]

@alexbin77 i think that’s the light this couple needs. i think Merle thought she would of been married by now, and maybe that’s y she was opposed to wanting to live with him in the 1st place she lost likey wanted to be engaged at least

[@sshcherub]

Hi aria, im sherpugga. Im an asian chinese living in singapore, im not too sure about polyamorous kind of relationship, its not really a spoken thing here, but personally, there are times where i feel very asexual about the opposite sex and i dont feel the need to have sex at all, even though im married, its not even often, my husband respects that. It may be due to the conservative nature and speaking of the physical nature of polygamy, it doesnt suit asian culture. But emotionally its different its hard to express that, well physically we just want to be moral and loyal, that is ideal. Im not religious. Appreciating what we have, the grass is greener where you water it. With positive vibes, things will work out. If things are not meant to be, its okay, its a journey.

[@dallasbowen5387]

I’m in a relationship with a poly man. I haven’t defined whether or not I am poly. I’ve seen other people during our relationship but not recently.

[@dallasbowen5387]

So life changes. Sexuality changes. You can be with someone who is poly and decide to be monogamous to them.

[@skittlenigma]

I havent had any experience with this sort of thing... but I just think I'd like it considering that I always feel like I lack something or dont bring enough to my relationships and maybe being in an open one will kind of solve that for me ?

[@woolfel]

glad you're talking about this subject. So much stuff instilled by culture is about controlling people and not healthy. A lot of BS in culture needs to be unlearned.

[@hollie1998]

If say merle told me she was in an open relationship I would be like hell yes good for you gal !! As long as everyone is happy that’s all that matters

[@tiffanylewis5416]

She has a very skewed view of relationship as a one and one pov... what is the point of this pov? Seriously? You have a deeper connection with this "one" person for a reason. If she is actually listening to him, he is actually not comfortable with this thought. Yet, she was with someone for 5 years...??? Haha "not me though"!!... from Arya... Seriously??

[@PlantedEarth]

I won biggest flirt in high school too 😂😂😂 yessssss🎉 it’s just a personality trait! I think flirting is soooo harmless. Makes everyone feel seen and adored for who they are and invokes a confidence in others(said the people pleaser 😂). I am also a flirt and make out with my lady friends…it actually ruined a friendship with one of my couples friends because their boyfriend got super jealous(which was very sad and unexpected). For everyone saying your relationship is doomed can suck it; there really are options that are beyond the fallacy of the “fairy tale ending”. Ps Merle, I feel like we are soul sisters 💚 hippy progressive Libra flirts…and also Twin Peaks 😂 talk about a pansexual’s dream show😏

[@hynnow18]

I’m only a few minutes in, and I already learned so much! I appreciated the question of the difference between poly and an open relationship and also didn’t know Merle was pan. It’s awesome to have that representation out in the open!

[@The281930]

I'm loving seeing the two of you together! I'll say, it isn't feeling inappropriate at all though lol can't wait to see more :)

[@BorderlineInappropriate]

And we love that you love seeing us together! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@strangersontheinternet]

Ngl this made me feel like it‘s wrong to not even consider opening my relationship 😅😂 but it was an interesting episode for sure

[@AlliandoX]

Tbf they didn't open their relationship since their break no one slept with anyone else

[@megan55121]

I don’t think I would ever be comfortable with an open relationship, but I have never considered an open flirting policy! Food for thought, super interesting.

[@BorderlineInappropriate]

And that's totally fine if you wouldn't be comfortable with an open relationship! But thanks for taking the time to watch and be open to the conversation!

[@Brians_World81]

This guy sounds like a door mat. His red line is no open relationship and she cross it. Its due to her not attracted to him anymore. Women like a strong confident men and you are not it buddy.

[@AlliandoX]

Interesting but I’ve seen enough failed open relationships on reddit to ever consider it 😅

[@Cccccccccc7850]

This is awesome, you guys just convinced me it's completely fine for me to keep cheating on my wife

[@rupsadas-tm4st]

Communication ,that's all they talked about not going behind your wife's back and cheating

[@sola_a]

Grow up, cheating is defined by those in the relationship. This would be cheating for you, not them. I'm monogamous myself but no need to be this ignorant, it's embarrassing

[@Cccccccccc7850]

@@sola_a oh but I don't feel embarrassed

[@AlliandoX]

Does she know?

[@Cccccccccc7850]

@@AlliandoX off course not why would I hurt someone’s feelings like that