Bisexuality and Relationship Equity, Fairness, and Reciprocity
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation whereby an individual feels attracted to both men and women. It differs from pansexuality wherein one feels attracted to all genders irrespective of their gender identity. There has been increased awareness about bisexuality in recent years, but there is still much ignorance about how it affects relationship equity, fairness, and reciprocity. This article will discuss the impact of bisexuality on these factors in intimate partnerships.
In intimate partnerships, equality implies that each partner receives equal treatment.
This may not be the case for bisexuals. People assume that bisexuals are more promiscuous than other individuals which often puts them at risk of unfair treatment. When dating someone who is heterosexual or homosexual, a bisexual might experience discomfort due to fear of judgement, discrimination, and rejection, leading to unequal treatment between them.
When two bisexuals form a couple, they may face challenges because society expects monogamy. The bisexuals must choose between hiding their true nature or experiencing isolation as their identity becomes misunderstood by their partners. They might also worry about betrayal if their partner is unaccepting of their bisexuality. Consequently, they may find themselves trapped in relationships with people who do not understand them, resulting in feelings of resentment and frustration.
Bisexuality can create uncertainty among couples concerning sexual exclusivity. Both partners need to accept each other's desires despite biological differences. As such, bisexuality can lead to inequality in terms of access to affection, sex, and support. It is hard to define loyalty and fidelity in an uncertain environment where neither party knows what the future holds.
Bisexuals may also have difficulty establishing reciprocity in a relationship because of conflicting needs.
One partner may want to explore non-monogamy while the other prefers monogamy. This creates conflict and distrust, negatively affecting relationship equity and fairness. To achieve mutual understanding and reciprocity, both partners need to be open to compromise and communicate honestly without judgment.
Bisexuality can cause disparities in intimate partnerships due to societal stigma, confusion on sexual exclusivity, and miscommunication between partners. Understanding these factors helps individuals avoid unfair treatment and maintain healthy relationships based on equality, fairness, and reciprocity.
In what ways does bisexuality affect perceptions of relational equity, fairness, and reciprocity in intimate partnerships?
Bisexuals are often perceived as being promiscuous, unfaithful, and noncommittal due to stereotypes about their sexual orientation. This can lead to difficulties establishing meaningful and lasting relationships with both heterosexual and homosexual individuals because they may be viewed as not having a "true" identity. Bisexual people may also face discrimination from within both communities, which can further impact relationship formation and maintenance.