Drama Free Open Relationships
by Keely
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.
Rule 1: The “Vetted” Rule
Only date people who are already in open, attached relationships. Why? Because they’ve been vetted by someone else. They already have a primary partner, which means they’re much less likely to get “clumsy-clingy” or demand 100% of your time. It probably also means they are not crazy. Avoid the “unhappy” ones—we’re here for a good time, not to be a therapist. And at all possible costs, do not bring a drama girl into your web even if she’s married.
Rule 2: Be the Ultimate Third-Party Supporter
Never, ever try to “steal” someone away. That is bad mojo and a one-way ticket to Drama Town. Instead, support their primary relationship. Become their partner’s friend. When their partner is happy, your partner is happy, and you stay in the “fun zone.” If you start competing, you’ve already lost.
Rule 3: Radical Transparency
Secrets are where the rot starts. Be open about the other people you’re seeing. When everyone knows the score, there’s no “gotcha” moment. Trust is the foundation of a high-pleasure, low-stress Velvet Web.
Rule 4: The Hypocrisy Check
Jealousy happens—we’re human. But here’s the beauty of this system: if an attached partner gets jealous of your other flings, gently point to their own significant other. You’re simply matching their energy. Calling out that hypocrisy usually shuts down the drama before it can even start. If they persist, well, then there are other players in the field.
Rule 5: The Breakup Clause
If an attached partner suddenly becomes single, refer back to Rule Number One. Unless you know for a fact they won’t disrupt the delicate fabric of your Velvet Web (see what I did there?), it might be time to move on. Keep your ecosystem healthy.
Rule 6: Web Size
No one has infinite time or a bottomless well of emotions to share. Keep your web small: two to five partners at most. This allows you to foster deeper, more meaningful relationships over time. This is not a harem philosophy; it’s all about building a better experience without the hassle of drama.
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.