Drama Free Open Relationships
If you’ve spent any time in 3DX Chat, you know the vibe: it’s built for pleasure, but the drama? That can get real, fast. After 13 years here and a lot of experience, I have considered what the best types of relationships are in 3DX. There are really only two types when it comes to amorous relationships: open or exclusive.
Exclusives are amazing, no doubt. I think in some ways everyone, at some point, has wanted this type of arrangement in-game. When it’s right, it is the least drama-filled relationship type in 3DX, and it is by far the most stable and rewarding type of engagement you can find in a game with so much temptation.
The other is an open-attached type of relationship. These can also be wonderful ways for each partner to explore the world of 3DX. Variety, after all, is the spice of life—or so they say. But this is also the least stable type of relationship because whenever people have their loyalties spread across multiple partners, there also tends to be drama and turmoil lurking in the shadows.
I see the result of this turmoil each week at the Lake: people who are struggling with feelings of betrayal and sadness from relationships gone asunder because their partner has decided that their heart really rested with someone else and they decided to part ways. It’s at epidemic levels, truly.
But what if there was a relationship strategy to help you maximize your fun and keep your freedom, all while keeping the "relationship headaches" to a minimum? I searched the interweb to see if there was an answer, and I discovered there is little to no legitimate answers to this in mainstream cultural media. There are, however, definitive warnings about seeking open relationships with multiple partners even from the ancients. Buddha came out and called the practice an obstacle to spiritual perfection. Yikes. Settle down, Buddha.
So, putting aside what the ancients believed and puritanical notions of just one partner, I explored my own experiences and those of others here in 3DX. And I believe I have come up with a sound strategy for increasing the depth and openness of relationships while minimizing drama, turmoil, and sadness.
Before I break that down, it needs to be expressed that this “strategy” only works if you truly have an open mind. If you are the highly jealous or possessive type, this is not for you. There is a level of personal detachment you have to maintain in order to explore the beauty and rewards of this system.
So here we go. I am calling it the Velvet Web Philosophy, just in case someone finds this 3,000 years from now. I want all the credit. Here’s how you play the field without getting played.
Lastly, this does not guarantee that there won't be any drama in your life in 3DX. I will say this has worked for me, and the lovely people I was privileged to know and experience are still all close to me. There has been little drama and a lot of beautiful time shared.
Play smart, stay free, and I'll see you at the Lake.
— 30 —

Vibrent
Sound wise advise for those that choose that path.
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SheriNielsen
There are many situations not considered in this "analysis". Otherwise, a fun article, however. Thank you.
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Dissonance
I don't like this article. Please seek actual polyamorist advice in the mountains of beautiful literature and resources out there for people like us. I never comment on these articles but I have to say something about the “advice” in this one. I’ve been an active irl polyamorist for over 30 years. This advice is misguided and doesn’t seem like it’s written by a knowledgeable polyamorist, but maybe a bit more interested in collecting sexual partners in 3DX.
“I searched the interweb to see if there was an answer, and I discovered there is little to no legitimate answers to this in mainstream cultural media.”
This is a strange authority to take where the author doesn’t really have any authority outside of being on 3DX a while, and it is just absolutely not true if they actually “searched the interweb”. There’s a lot of beautiful literature and research and knowledge out there for how to manage open relationships and polyamory - I highly recommend starting with The Savage Love podcast by David Savage, the Multiamory Podcast, or checking resources about Attachment Theory and learning about the plight of NRE in polycules.
Also for your reading pleasure:
“The Ethical Slut” by Dossie Easton “Polysecure” by Jessica Fern “The Polyamory Toolkit” by Dedeker Winston “More Than Two” by Eve Rickert
And get yourself a poly-friendly therapist!!!
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Dissonance
*Dan Savage ... shame on me!!!
https://savage.love/lovecast/
Keely
Polyamory in real life is not the same as polyamory in 3DX, to think so is not a very intelligent take on the difference between worlds.
Dissonance
Cool! Hilarious response! But anyway it still doesn’t excuse lack of research about open relationships, because there’s lots! Check them out!
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