Building Your Own Relationship Rules: The Power of Negotiation and Boundaries

How to Create Relationship Agreements That Actually Work

Most of us inherit our relationship rules from family, culture, or media, rarely stopping to ask if they truly serve us. In 'Opening Up,' Taormino invites readers to take an active role in shaping the agreements that govern their love lives. The book distinguishes between boundaries—personal limits that protect your well-being—and rules, which are shared agreements negotiated with partners.

Successful open relationships, and indeed any partnership, rely on clear, honest negotiation. This means discussing needs, fears, and desires openly, and being willing to revisit agreements as circumstances change. The book is filled with stories of couples and individuals who learned to compromise, check in regularly, and adapt their agreements as new partners, jobs, or life stages emerged.

Negotiation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It requires active listening, empathy, and the courage to express your truth even when it’s uncomfortable. By learning these skills, partners build trust and resilience, creating relationships that can weather any storm.

Whether you’re navigating monogamy, polyamory, or a hybrid arrangement, the power to shape your own relationship is in your hands. 'Opening Up' gives you the tools to do just that.