XXXX in gay male couples.

@entity1 @entity1538 @entity458
Forty gay male couples participated in a questionnaire study comparing relationships that partners agreed were sexually open (N = 23) and relationships that partners agreed were sexually closed (N = 17). No significant differences were found in the quality of open versus closed relationships. Almost all @entity1 (93%) said they were in love with their partner. On scales assessing degree of love and liking for the partner, @entity1 in open and closed relationships were indistinguishable. Nor did the two types of relationships differ in measures of satisfaction and commitment. It appears that sexually open and closed relationships can be equally satisfying. It has been suggested that gay male relationships typically go through predictable stages in which an initial "honeymoon" of @entity458 is inevitably followed by a change to @entity1538 . Only 20% of our couples followed this pattern, however. The remaining 80% showed diverse patterns such as continued exclusivity throughout the relationship or a change from initial @entity1538 to @entity458 . @entity1 's reasons for having an open or closed relationship were diverse. Personal attitudes and values about the merits of exclusivity were an important factor. @entity1 in open relationships also emphasized the benefits of sexual variety and personal independence. @entity1 in closed relationships stressed their desire to avoid jealousy. Although partners' agreements about whether their relationship should be open or closed had a significant effect on their actual sexual behavior, some discrepancies were found. Most @entity1 in closed relationships had had at least one outside sexual liaison, although they reported having many fewer sex partners than @entity1 in open relationships.
