What is it called when a married couple has a girlfriend?

Hey friend! As a tech geek and data analyst who loves gaming and streaming, relationship dynamics definitely interest me. So let‘s dive into the world of polyamory and explore what it‘s called when a married couple opens up their relationship to include a girlfriend.

Throuples – an unconventional relationship structure

The most common term for a three person romantic relationship is a "throuple." This word combines "three" and "couple" to describe three people involved intimately and consensually.

While throuples are still relatively rare, they seem to be growing in popularity and acceptance. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, one in five people in the US have practiced some form of ethical non-monogamy at some point. Of those, about 20% were in a triad or throuple.

So while it‘s not mainstream yet, more married couples are exploring this relationship model. Opening up a marriage in this way allows spouses to experience:

• Greater freedom, intimacy and sexual variety
• Fulfillment of any bisexual desires
• Deeper emotional connections by sharing vulnerability with more partners
• More support and stability with finances, child-rearing, etc.

But throuples come with their own set of challenges too. Let‘s look at some pros and cons of this unique relationship structure.

Potential Benefits of a Throuple:

• Romantic and sexual needs fully met for all partners
• Exposure to different perspectives, interests, activities
• More income stability and shared household responsibilities
• Built-in support system during tough times

Potential Challenges of a Throuple:

• Difficulty scheduling quality time together
• Jealousy if attention and affection feel imbalanced
• Judgment and discrimination from society
• Legal issues – marriage laws don‘t recognize throuples

What roles exist in a throuple?

While every throuple is unique, there are some common roles that emerge:

• The original couple – The married or committed couple who decide to open up their relationship. They serve as the "primary" partnership.

• The girlfriend/boyfriend – The new intimate partner who dates the pre-existing couple.

• The "unicorn" – A bisexual woman who joins a straight couple. She completes the mythical triad, hence the nickname.

• The "hinge partner" – The member who dates both the original couple and the new addition. They bridge the relationships.

Below is a data table summarizing these different roles:

Understanding these unique roles and relationship dynamics is key to making a throuple work long-term.

What relationship styles exist in throuples?

There are a few main relationship configurations that can occur in a three person pairing:

V Relationship

This is when the girlfriend/boyfriend only dates one member of the original couple. They do not date the other member of the couple directly.

Triad

Here, the new addition dates both members of the original couple. All three people share an equal, intimate connection with each other.

Closed Throuple

All members are committed to only dating each other. No outside partners are allowed. This provides stability.

Open Throuple

The throuple permits members to date outside the trio as well. This allows more freedom and variety in relationships.

Below are the percentages of each relationship style among polyamorous throuples, according to a 2016 study:

The V and closed triad are the most common configurations it seems. But every throuple finds what works best for their particular needs.

Navigating potential issues in throuples

While throuples may seem glamorous and fun, make no mistake – they take a LOT of work! All of the traditional relationship challenges are amplified when three partners are involved.

Here are some common problems throuples run into:

Jealousy

It‘s not uncommon for jealousy to flare up if attention feels skewed towards one partner more than the others. This takes patience and re-assurance to overcome.

Intimacy Imbalances

Sometimes one pairing in the throuple develops more passionately than another pairing. Trying to keep intimacy balanced is an ongoing challenge.

Scheduling

Finding time for the original couple to be alone, the new couple to be alone, and for all three to be together can be tough! Compromise is required.

Discrimination

Unfortunately throuples often face judgement and shaming from friends, family, or society for not following traditional relationship norms. Developing a thick skin helps.

Legal Barriers

Marriage laws, hospital visitation rights, etc. often don‘t accommodate polyamorous relationships. Throuples don‘t have full legal protections.

Overcoming these obstacles requires stellar communication skills, emotional maturity, radical honesty, trust, patience, and respect between all partners. For many, the effort is worth it for the fulfillment throuples can provide.

In conclusion…

While an unconventional structure, more married couples are exploring polyamory and throuples as a way to build the relationship model that works best for them. With the right commitments and communication style, throuples can thrive!

I hope examining the different terminology, roles, and relationship styles gave you a clearer picture of what it can look like when a married couple opens up to having a girlfriend. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to nerd out with more data.