Persons who are considered to be bisexual are attracted to members of both sexes, but this doesn't mean that they feel the need to be with a man and a woman at the same time. Just like straight or gay people, the vast majority of bisexual men and women will want a monogamous relationship. When it comes to marriage, a bisexual may end up with a partner of either gender. If a woman marries a man it does not mean that she is straight, and by the same token, by marrying a woman, will not make her gay. The person that they marry will be the one they are in love with as a person, and may or may not have anything to do with the person's gender.[1]
- Understand that many bisexual people will not prefer one gender over another. Many, even those who eventually marry, may shift between sexes depending their feelings. They lead with their emotions and feelings of love, attraction and trust, instead of sexual preference. When entering into a serious dating relationship with a bisexual person, be prepared to accept their attraction to another of a sexual difference - the same way straight or gay people are attracted to members of their preferred sex. Remember that if this person is dating you in the first place, it is because they are attracted to you as an individual.[2]
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Respect your date's bisexuality as part of his or her identity. Understand that they could also be mostly one or the other, which in fact makes them bisexual. Most bisexual people consider themselves to always be bisexual, no matter who they are dating at the time. It is important not to suggest that they are straight if they are in a heterosexual relationship, nor that they are gay if they are in a homosexual relationship[3]. As such, do not question when they meet someone of the opposite or the same sex, and are attracted to them; but accept them as they are if you wish to retain your relationship with them.[4]
- Enter into a serious relationship with a bisexual just as you would with any other person of your preferred gender. Understand that if they are attracted to a member of different or the same sex as yours, that they are not cheating on you; just as straight or gay people will be attracted to other members of their preferred sex. Remember that your partner is attracted to you as an individual, and by understanding that they wish to remain with you, it will make your relationship stronger. Remember that in a serious relationship, your partner should not only be your lover, they should also be your best and most trusted friend. If you feel you cannot accept this, then do not enter into the relationship - but do remember: it's no different than how, for example, an exclusively heterosexual person will always be attracted to the opposite sex, but they are in a relationship with you.[4]
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Sharing your life and your feelings is an important aspect of any relationship
Maintain a healthy relationship with your bisexual date, as you would with any other date that you enjoy being with, or even love. Be honest with them, be open with them, and share thoughts and feelings. Forgive one another and tell the unarguable truth when it comes to disagreements, learn to appreciate your partner rather than show unhealthy criticism. Help each other when needed, and communicate openly about most any thing as you would, with a person of your same sexuality.
- Give them space. You may want to constantly ask them what gender they prefer at the moment, how they feel, etc. - don't. If you keep on pestering them, they may become irritated or scared to tell you their genuine feelings. A bisexual person needs space to reflect on their own emotions without somebody else constantly butting in; so give them a healthy amount of time on their own. Always be there for them to talk to, but never pester them.
- Be proud of them. Don't be afraid to introduce them to your family and friends because they are bisexual. Let them know that you respect and love them, and that you are behind them all the way. Other people you know may not approve of the relationship, but that's their own opinion - don't let that influence you.
- Remember that, to a bisexual person, gender becomes more like hair color in relation to attraction and desirability. The fact that they can be attracted to men and women is - to them - no stranger or more threatening than the fact that you can (presumably) be attracted to both blondes and brunettes. It does not follow that either one of you need "both" to be happy.
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A majority of the bisexual community identify themselves with the LGBT community. Some bisexual people, on the other hand, do not feel that they belong to either the lesbian, gay or straight community, and feel that they should have their own and separate community.[4]
- Remember that even though bisexual people are attracted to both sexes, this doesn't mean they are attracted to everyone. They have limits and standards, just like everyone else does. By the same token, do not ask your partner if they "prefer sex with men or women". If you are in a relationship with them, you must always assume that they prefer you.
- Don't assume that because they're bisexual that they will necessarily go for the easier option, or that they can't understand the difficulty of being a gay/lesbian in a heterosexual society - they may also not be prepared to form a durable opposite-sex relationship. Bisexual people cannot choose to be straight, nor are they just denying that they are gay; they have about as much choice when it comes to who they are attracted to or fall in love with as anyone else.[3]
- If your motivations for dating a bisexual are just for some sexual fantasy, then be up front about it with your potential partner before the relationship develops.
- Don't ever tease them about being bisexual. They may just laugh it off, but inside you may be hurting them or making them feel insecure. So unless they actually tell you it's okay, don't tease them.
- Try not to be extra cautious around them - this will make them feel insecure or annoyed. Just treat them like a person - don't avoid a certain topic just because they are bisexual.
[edit] Warnings
- Do not assume - or suggest - that bisexual people are any more interested in threesomes or voyeurism than any other person. Bisexuality does not equate to a sexual omnivore - they are attracted to some men, and some women - and the fact that they are bisexual does not make them more promiscuous.
[edit] Sources and Citations
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