Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?"

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Acherontia
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Acherontia »

For me? Don't know.

For everyone else? Depends on what's important to you.

I think you get married to someone because you really don't want to spend the rest of your life without them--you can't imagine a life without them in it. You want to share it with them. When you meet someone you can't live without, that's when you get married.

Now, is sex an important part of expressing that? If it is, you might want to say no. Will "no" lead to resentment? Maybe, or maybe he just wants to hear from you "I WANT YOU, and I don't want ANYONE else to have you!" But my suggestion: always be honest. If you really don't mind it, let him try it out. Lies, manipulation and overthinking get you nowhere :P Just make him, as Saturo says, get tested afterward.

I will say, though, that you may THINK you don't mind it but find that you really do. I've never ever been jealous, and I'm all for my man being happy. In theory, I'd say yes. But in practice, the idea that your man is out screwing other women can hurt, even if you're a strong person.

There's no right or wrong, of course, because every relationship is different--but you might want to make sure it's something he REALLY WANTS, *before* you say yes.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Felidire »

Not that it's really any of my business, but I had a thought last night.. If you've been involved with several other guys, whereas you're the first seriousl girlfriend that he's ever really had, then it may really bother him depending on what type of person he is; seems irrational but it happens with a lot of guys.. Though if that's the case, then I would've expected these types of problems to have arisen quite a while before now.

I think it merits the two of you sitting down and having a good talk.
Tsiya wrote:Hubby has given me a hall pass, but I've never used it. Our situation isn't like yours though, he is disabled, and I have to tell him about it first. I don't see ever using it, but just having been given one is a huge sign of trust. Don't do it unless you can accept ALL the consequences of said pass.
Sounds like a nice guy.. Eh, I guess it varies from person to person, but if someone monogamous truly loves you and cares about you (at least more than satisfying their own hormones) then I think it stands to reason that they'd reject the "pass" every single time?

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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Lotusii »

This didn't work out for me. I got a pass once and we both ended up regretting it. Every time we fought he'd bring it up to make me feel bad about it even though I didn't actually go all the way with it.

I can't say it would be the same for you, but you really should talk it through and think it over before going through with something like this. Whatever you decide, I hope for the best for you.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Cialbi »

To be honest, my knee-jerk reaction is 'no'; I would never suggest it to anyone (well, particularly nasty barbs at certain public figures aside *ahem*). I don't think that an open marriage is a remedy for a closed marriage, any more than a closed marriage is a remedy for an open marriage. It just doesn't work like that; your marriage is either open, closed, or dying. You and your s.o. either value monogamy or don't.

Consider other options instead. You could get more adventurous as a couple, as someone tentatively suggested. Or, face the issue by sitting him down and having a frank discussion about these regrets of his. After all, he's also missing out on having fun encounters with an angry ex or two; I bet that's what has actually been bothering him.

Oh, and then there's this:
SgtMakkie wrote:Think long and hard.... x1000 before you ever say yes. It's kind of like the saying, What has been seen can not be unseen. It will always be there as part of the relationship and could cause big problems later on. You married, if I read the above correctly for a reason. It'd be a real shame for that to be ruined because of something like this.

The lines drawn in front of us are there for a reason, once you cross them, their boundaries will become less and less over time. There are plenty of ways to spice up or give space to a partner in a relationship (whatever the situation requires). But the most important is open and thorough communication between you both. This might make a few people laugh, but go watch Indecent Proposal, watch it from Woody Harrelson's view point.

Simple question, can you really deal with this for the rest of your lives together?
I can say that I agree with almost all of that; the exception being that I've never seen Indecent Proposal (and am too lazy to look it up).
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Gumballs »

It is entirely up to you whether you do this or not. Just remember, like everyone else said - just because it does not bother you know doesnt mean it wont eat away at you during the future.

I'm dating my best friend currently, and I am bisexual. I have never been with a woman, though its something I have (and will always) wanted to try. I told him all these things back when we were just friends and I was in another relationship. When we hooked up, he told me that if I ever want to be with another woman, I am free to do so, as long as I don't do it behind his back. I'm really happy he trusts me enough to do this but to be honest I don't think I could, because I feel it would hurt him. If anything, I would want to share the experience with him if it ever happened, because I love him completely.

On the reverse side, I couldn't give him permission like that unless I was involved and the experience was shared. I have always had self confidence issues and stuff like that, and bad jealously (though thats changed a lot in the last few months!) so I think it would end up causing problems for me later. And honestly, if I used my hall pass, I think it would end up affecting him as well, but I don't know for sure.

If you guys will be completely happy and in love, do whatever works for your relationship :) Because ultimately, we can't decide this for you. Think long and hard about it, and you'll eventually figure it out :)
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Worba »

Sometimes when feelings are running strong on both sides and no easy solution is in sight, the best thing is to (physically) separate and give everyone time to think about what they want.

If your husband is set on this, and you are (as you seem, from the wording of your post and the fact that you posted about it to begin with) not 100% comfortable with the idea, then at least this would give you a way to shield yourself somewhat... and help determine if your man is taking you for granted.

And, whether you choose to indulge or not, everyone should have the same freedoms during that time - you don't want your husband getting too used to the idea that he can just do whatever he wants without being willing to experience the same behavior in return. Fair is fair.

Ultimately if you do separate, take the opportunity to decide what conditions you would need to get back together - and stick to them. People generally have a much easier time of changing their ways when they are on their own and have no one to argue with but them self.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Krysannis »

I couldn't do it. I'm not the jealous type but I couldn't live with that. Sex isn't supposed to be something that's thrown around lightly. Neither is marriage. Maybe I'm old fashion or something (although I'm only 21 O.o) but I feel like sex should be about love not how many "bitches you can bed."
My vote is no. He married you. He should have thought long and hard about everything before committing to you. If you brake up with someone and they sleep around and then a year or so later you two decide that you've grown and you want to be together again, well then that's a different story. But for him to take off his wedding ring, sleep with another woman and then come home to you. That's wrong in my book.
I hope you work everything out, and you come to a conclusion that you can live with.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Royi »

Lotusii wrote:This didn't work out for me. I got a pass once and we both ended up regretting it. Every time we fought he'd bring it up to make me feel bad about it even though I didn't actually go all the way with it.

I can't say it would be the same for you, but you really should talk it through and think it over before going through with something like this. Whatever you decide, I hope for the best for you.
This will happen. Eventually. I would suggest marital counseling. Seems like you need it if he's feeling this way.

Or else maybe look into Swinging. I dont know that might be the only way, find another couple then swap partners. That way you're both experiencing it together at least.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Lotusii »

That was just one of a laundry list of problems I had with that guy. We're friends now so it's okay I think. I just wanted to share with pengu since she asked about experiences with the hall pass.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Wark »

Good thread of wisdom and warnings. Definitely can't resist the urge to add my two cents, though.

1. What Do You Want Out of Your Marriage?

In a perfect world everyone would have this stuff figured out ahead of time and use it as their guiding beacon, but we don't live in Candyland, so I will tell you the bedrock of this thread's discussion: people need/want different things out of marriage and/or romantic partners. This can cover big topics-- kids? dogs vs cats? where do you want to live?-- but it also extends to bigger but more obfuscated concerns. Do you want someone who does everything to make you happy? Do you want someone who will always tell the truth, even if it causes short- or mid-term problems? Do you want someone who comforts you, or someone who silently supports, or someone who gives you space? And, perhaps most critically, which things are crucial and which are "nice, but it won't kill me to do without"?

Basically, half of this topic (not the half you directly asked for, but probably the half that needs to be addressed first) is whether you two should even be sticking it out in the first place. Do you give each other what you need? What you want? Are your expectations/demands/hopes reasonable, or do either (both?) of you need reality checks? In short, can you two fulfill each other?

2. Is a "Hall Pass" A Good Idea?

I still think 1. is the more pressing answer, but you asked this, so: it depends! I honestly cannot even begin to enumerate all the possibilities, so I'm just going to say it's a fantastic, super-hot, loving idea for some people, and the world's biggest disaster for others, and various shades of gray for the rest. But for you? Basically it comes down to what and when triggers your/your husband's jealousy and/or guilt. If you can't even imagine him smooching someone else without problems, no no no no NO no. If he can't even fantasize about some other hot chick without feeling guilty about it, NOOOO no no no. I'm going to guess from your tone that you're feeling conflict somewhere, either that you're not being "appropriately" jealous (if so: PSSSSSSHT hahahahahah no such thing, go enjoy yourself) or that you don't actually want to go through with granting passes. If it's the latter, you two need to sit down and ascertain what the problem really, truly is, and then take steps to fix it. I can think of plenty of dissatisfaction that might manifest itself as "can I go sleep with other people" when much easier, accurate solutions are hovering right in front of you. Don't flail at the first thing that shows up! It really could be he's regretting his lack of opportunity for STDs-- it could also be that his friends do a great job of talking up hookup sex until it sounds like some amazing, life-enriching pursuit. (Hint: it is for some people. It's definitely NOT for others.) Or that he's bored in bed, or he's too chicken to say "I don't want to be married anymore" or, I don't know, suffering from indigestion.

Anyways. Point is: you need to think, and then you two need to talk. Probably repeatedly. Luckily, you're married, so that hopefully isn't anything new. ;)

I wish you luck, however it goes. :hug:
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Sa'avryn »

Never ever. Not in a million years. Nope nope nope nope... you get the idea. I was lucky enough to marry my first love and I will NEVER regret committing fully to her.

As for him "Wishing he had met you later on in life so that he could have had more "experiences" before getting married." Strikes me as BS on his part, and I'd bet you money that if you requested a hall pass for yourself he'd blow a gasket, double standard indeed.

Again, If we're going with votes, mine would have to be a resounding NO! Situations like that can only end in Tears and Lawyers.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Raederle »

---> Married, many years. It hasn't always been easy but we got though the rough times by being completely open and honest with each other, and finding (or fighting) our way to the true issues, not just the surface symptoms.

The only way a relationship survives over the long haul is 100% communication and 100% honesty. So it's good that your husband feels comfortable enough to communicate what he he feeling on what's definitely a touchy subject. That's only the first step, though. As others have said, you need to really work through what he's asking here, and how you feel about it, before deciding what the right solution is.

Only you and he can make that decision. I will say, though, that the fact that you don't want to know about what happens if you do give him a pass, suggests that you don't really want him to do it and would prefer that he didn't.

I'm not surprised that his lack of sexual experience is bothering him. Virility is a Big Deal to guys, especially younger ones, because it speaks to their self image of what a man should be. Going out and banging some random chicks isn't the only way to solve that issue though. Maybe he needs to get a better sense of what it means to be a real man.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Tulune »

No, and you should get out of of this apparently unhealthy relationship. His friends brag about "bangin bitches" ey? Remember, you are who you hang out with.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Cialbi »

Raederle wrote:I'm not surprised that his lack of sexual experience is bothering him. Virility is a Big Deal to guys, especially younger ones, because it speaks to their self image of what a man should be. Going out and banging some random chicks isn't the only way to solve that issue though. Maybe he needs to get a better sense of what it means to be a real man.
The meaning of life is little more than eating, sleeping, and breeding - if you're a rabbit. He needs to stop aspiring to be a rabbit, and instead figure out what it is to be human.
Tulune wrote:No, and you should get out of of this apparently unhealthy relationship. His friends brag about "bangin bitches" ey? Remember, you are who you hang out with.
You really think this is grounds for divorce? Isn't it a bit early to be abandoning ship?
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Chimera »

All im gonna say about this is that i never respect anyone that brags about the people they slept with. It also is probably the main factor that has caused this issue to surface and become enough of a problem to consider this, at least, thats what im getting off it. The things his friends are saying seems to be making him tell you how he wished he met you later on.

Also, id never give my bf a hall pass, hes already slipped up a few times and when it comes to girls, i keep a hawks eye on him without him knowing. I have connections 8-) I do trust him though, always have even when he slipped up but god, i'll never act the same way around him knowing that he messed with some other person, its not something you forget, no matter how many years go by. I dont think i'll ever forget his slip ups.

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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Xella »

I lost my first girlfriend partly because I was totally okay with her interacting with people (on both sides of the fence) and encouraged her to explore her passions, and I think she ultimately decided I didn't really love her. I mean, there were a whole lot of other reasons (a lot of which was probably how fish-cold, distracted, and damaged I am, haha), but I suspect that played a part. So whether you give him a hall pass or not, make sure you're both clear on your feelings for each other, and about the situation.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Worba »

Raederle wrote:---> Married, many years. It hasn't always been easy but we got though the rough times by being completely open and honest with each other, and finding (or fighting) our way to the true issues, not just the surface symptoms.

The only way a relationship survives over the long haul is 100% communication and 100% honesty. So it's good that your husband feels comfortable enough to communicate what he he feeling on what's definitely a touchy subject. That's only the first step, though. As others have said, you need to really work through what he's asking here, and how you feel about it, before deciding what the right solution is.

Only you and he can make that decision. I will say, though, that the fact that you don't want to know about what happens if you do give him a pass, suggests that you don't really want him to do it and would prefer that he didn't.

I'm not surprised that his lack of sexual experience is bothering him. Virility is a Big Deal to guys, especially younger ones, because it speaks to their self image of what a man should be. Going out and banging some random chicks isn't the only way to solve that issue though. Maybe he needs to get a better sense of what it means to be a real man.
<-- Twice engaged, once married (still am, a decade later).

Though you wouldn't call it "virility", the same basic thing applies to women; the difference is that guys condense it down to the final tumble between the sheets (everything else is a means to an end don'tcha know), whereas girls are interested in the whole thing - girls will talk about exchanging looks, what sort of smalltalk happened, what Mr Interesting does for work, who his friends are, what he did in Iraq etc etc whereas if a guy tries to talk to his buddies about that, they're like "yeah whatev - did you sleep with her??" ;)

My first fiancee had been in just one relationship before she met me - for like a decade or so? Anyway so being an idiot I just made excuses when she would go to parties constantly, out till 3am etc, but fact is just like the OP's hubby, it turned out she felt deprived of "experiences" and was making up for lost time... behind my back.

So that was that. Point being though - it's a mistake to try and cast this as a "guy thing". Because it isn't.
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Re: Would you ever give your significant other a "hall pass?

Unread post by Worba »

Xella wrote:I lost my first girlfriend partly because I was totally okay with her interacting with people (on both sides of the fence) and encouraged her to explore her passions, and I think she ultimately decided I didn't really love her. I mean, there were a whole lot of other reasons (a lot of which was probably how fish-cold, distracted, and damaged I am, haha), but I suspect that played a part. So whether you give him a hall pass or not, make sure you're both clear on your feelings for each other, and about the situation.
Yeah... you don't want to isolate as a couple, but you can definitely go too far the other way too - when someone (in a relationship) is socializing off by themself in an environment where good looking people are constantly flirting with them - well, we're all human... it's kinda like being on a diet and hanging out in Dunkin Donuts - not a good idea.
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