Chapter 6: Ground Rules

Chapter 6

Ground Rules

Dear Mike,

I thought this would be a good starting off point. Tell me what you think.

1. No extended kissing except for prearranged displays in social settings.
2. No prostitutes in my house.
3. No sexual contact of any sort between us, of course.
4. When we sleep in the same bed together, the only touching allowed is an interlocking of the feet.
5. If we're in bed together, and you get horny, please excuse yourself and masturbate in the bathroom.
6. We will each make a detailed list of our sexual histories, predilections, and preferences. Mine will be from the time before 1990, for the most part.
7. Non-sexual contact such as hand holding, locking arms, and light cuddling is encouraged, especially in public. Tell me if it becomes a sexual issue, and I'll adjust.
8. You are encouraged to find polyamorous and casual relationships of a sexual nature. You can discuss these with me as little or as much as you like. I hope they are satisfying.
9. Also, try porn.
10. Beyond everything else, COMMUNICATE! Communication is the basis of any strong relationship.

Love,

Holly

“Um,” I emailed back to her, “have you ever had a relationship like this before?”

“No,” she replied, “but I've given it a lot of thought. I want to make this work.”