Awards

• Winner of 2019 IPPY Award Gold Medal in Sexuality/Relationships Category 2019
• Winner of 2019 IPPY Award Gold Medal in Sexuality/Relationships Category 2019 (United States)

Overview

Surveying the many forms of non-possessive intimate relationships, this book explains how these alternative lifestyle arrangements work, psychologically, and describes the benefits and risks for those involved within contemporary contexts such as swinging, threesomes, polyamory, and recreational sex clubs. The thought that one could have sex with outsiders with the consent and support of your spouse or significant other, and still love and make love with your primary partner, is a radical notion for most men and women. And yet, an increasing number of married and unmarried couples are doing just this, and their relationships are flourishing as a result. Relax, It's Just Sex: Understanding Non-Possessive Intimate Relationships examines a relatively new form of intimate relationship that is increasingly popular among contemporary couples and singles. The book introduces the term ""non-possessive intimate relationships"" and shows from a psychological perspective how these arrangements work, emotionally and cognitively, for the individuals involved. Licensed clinical psychologist and relationship therapist Leslie Spurr, PhD, explores the psychologically issues involved and then takes a close look at various examples of the non-possessive intimate relationship style within several, mostly covert, contexts, in which relationship partners agree to provide each other with the freedom to engage intimately with outsiders. Written in a nontechnical, accessible style, Relax, It's Just Sex uses humor and references to popular culture, including films, novels, and songs, to engage the reader in content that is primarily informative but also entertaining. This important and eye-opening book makes clear the significance and reasons for the growing popularity of the non-possessive intimate relationship phenomenon and explains why and how this ""lovestyle"" may constitute a sexual revolution.

Full Product Details

Author:   Leslie Spurr Ph.D.
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   Praeger Publishers Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.567kg
ISBN:  

9781440854736

ISBN 10:   1440854734
Pages:   208
Publication Date:   18 May 2017
Recommended Age:   From 7 to 17 years
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

"Introduction Chapter 1 Intimate Relationships Exclusivity Relationships Alternatives to the Traditional Model The Relationship Trajectory A Little History Agreements Chapter 2 Non-Exclusive Arrangements The Fourth Option Existential Decisions Advantages, Disadvantages, and Barriers Defining Terms Chapter 3 Non-Possessive Relationship Issues Mate Guarding Jealousy Trust Honesty Love Intimacy Attachments Freedom Commitment Choices Possession Loss Altruism Chapter 4 Yin versus Yang Cognitive Shifts Morality versus Ethics Personal Qualities Gender Differences: Benefits Gender Differences: Challenges Chapter 5 Practical Matters Restrictions Selectivity Communication Secrecy Disclosure to Others Desirability/Performance Issues Unequal Participation Risk Management Commonality Characteristics Prerequisites for Non-Possessiveness The Attraction Chapter 6 Swinging and ""The Lifestyle"" Recreational Sex Clubs Hooking-Up Patterns Seduction Consumer Satisfaction Singles with Couples: Pros and Cons Singles with Couples: Policies and Procedures The Newbie Experience Orientation Resorts Chapter 7 Digital Double Dating Social/Sexual Networking Web-Based Coupling First Dates Private Parties House Parties Socials Dogging Chapter 8 Threesomes, Foursomes, and Moresomes Three's a Crowd? Ménage Management Playing Mixed Doubles Group Gropes Orgy Options Chapter 9 Polyamory Loving More Polyfidelity Chapter 10 Friends with Benefits Booty Calls Booty-Calling Perks Chapter 11 The Appeal of Non-Possessive Intimate Relationships Expanding Awareness Searching for the Best of Both Worlds Keeping Love Alive Seeking Sexual Sensuousness Avoiding the Pitfalls of Possessiveness Taming the Rage Reaction Going Underground in a Vanilla World Tweaking Family Values Navigating Changes Growing Older Gracefully Coping with Dissolution Pursuing Happiness Loving Non-Possessively Notes Bibliography Index"

Reviews

The book is certainly an interesting introduction to non-possessive relationships, foremost for couples who might be interested in this type of relationship agreement and they would likely benefit from and find the book interesting and informative. - Metapsychology Online Review

Author Information

Leslie Spurr, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship therapist who works with sexually adventurous couples and singles, assisting them to reconcile their atypical lifestyles with the demands and expectations of mainstream society.

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