Featured Image Credit: Jampress
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Viral
Emily Brown
A model from the West Coast has opened up about how entering into a non-monogamous relationship with her long term partner has actually improved their sex life.
Cami Strella, who has amassed more than 400,000 followers on Instagram, spoke about opening up her relationship with boyfriend Lev Lieben as a new trend, known as 'hotwifing', has started to gain more interest.
Similar to the office-based system of 'hotdesking', 'hotwifing' essentially means sharing someone's wife, in a similar way to how you might share a desk at work.
The trend involves women having sexual experiences with another man with the permission of their husband or partner, and some of those who have taken part in the trend have praised it for helping to save their relationships.
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While Cami hasn't referenced 'hotwifing' herself, she has shared the benefits of being intimate with people other than Lev.
She explained: “There were a lot of misunderstandings in the beginning, and we had a lot of rules. It was a bit weird.
“But since opening up to each other about our concerns and sharing our desires, it has turned into something really great."
Cami and Lev decided to open up their relationship after dating for about two years, as Cami wanted to explore her sexual side with other lovers.
However, she made clear: "The sex that Lev and I have is very different to the sex I have with anyone else."
Both Cami and Lev now have other intimate relationships, as Cami pointed out that it was 'only fair' that he explore sex with other people too.
Though she 'struggled' with letting him go at first, she now enjoys helping Lev find dates and hearing about how they go.
The couple make sure to be 'completely transparent' about their experiences outside of their own relationship, with Cami explaining: “It’s very normal to feel a bit awkward at first, but once you unbridle yourself from the concept of monogamy, it’s really freeing."
As for their own connection, Cami insisted that opening their relationship has been hugely beneficial to her connection to Lev.
“We have a deep connection that has only gotten stronger with time," she said. “It is a level of intimacy very few people will ever understand – but for us, it’s been incredibly fulfilling.”
Though Cami and Lev are happy with their arrangement, experts have warned about the potential dangers of 'hotwifing', particularly if one party becomes emotionally invested.
Priyanka Kapoor, a Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Sex Therapist, Couple and Family Counsellor from Mumbai, told NDTV: "If the emotional bond develops, infidelity starts — even if it began as consensual non-monogamy."
To help avoid going down this slippery slope, experts have advised couples be open and honest about their feelings.