Five years of love, laughter, and growing together—our relationship felt like it was in a strong place. Then, last week, my boyfriend came to me with a request that shook me. He wants to explore the idea of being with other people, but still stay together. I’ve always considered us to be exclusive, and this idea is challenging everything I know about us. I’m torn because I love him, but this is a boundary I never thought I’d have to set. Do I say no and risk losing him, or compromise and lose myself?

Setting boundaries in a relationship is always tough, but this feels like the ultimate test. I’ve never been the jealous type, but the thought of him with someone else stings deeply. It’s not just about the physical aspect; it’s about intimacy, trust, and emotional security. How could I continue to feel secure knowing he’s looking for something more? This is new territory for me, and I’m afraid that no matter what choice I make, there’s no going back to the way things were before.