Public Service Announcement

[rootofnewt]

Folks, when entering into a relationship, be it love, business, or any type of personal thing, don't assume anything.

Do not assume the relationship is exclusive.
Do not assume that it is not.
Do not assume that the other party/parties in the relationship know what you're thinking.
Don't assume that they're thinking what you're thinking.
Don't assume that anything is the default--monogamy, polyamory, business discounts, wholesale price, whatever.
Don't assume that out of sight = out of mind. Don't assume that it does not.
In short--quit making assumtptions.

Talk. Communicate. Lay it all out. Express what you feel and don't draw your own conclusions because unless you actually share a brain with the other folks involved, you do not have all the information. Lay out as many guidelines as possible before you share money or resources or feelings or bodily fluids with other people. Be flexible. BUT KEEP TALKING.

For those of you who haven't seen it and are experiencing trouble along these lines not related to business transactions, please refer to the this.

And one more thing--don't assume I have no idea what I'm talking about. Trust me. We all make mistakes. Just do the smart thing and LEARN from them, okay?

Comments

[ex-carnaval-619.livejournal.com]

See, this is just another shining example as to why I love and respect you so much...I know, that I, myself, have made a lot of mistakes in relationships, past & present, and have even thought at times of myself being polyamourous, even typed up a post about it sans the "poly" word, you get my drift. I think the key to any good relationship(s) is maturity and willingness to except your own faults as well as your other love(s) and of course, good communication. Assumptions, hypocrisy, and jealousy tend to make good things turn sour. I've had to give myself a few good swift kicks in the ass at times to stay focused and make an effort in times when I didn't want to. I *know* you know about what you type and your opinions and advice matter much to me. Thank you for this post and for always just being you.