Alternative Lifestyles

Alternative Lifestyles in my own words (no AI)

by Alison Leigh

Alternative Lifestyles are new ways of approaching and living within the context of your own personally set relationship boundaries. What I mean by this is that you make up your own rules. You decide who you want to be, what kind of relationship (s) you want to have, and you set those boundaries, or perhaps call it “terms” based on your own definition of what marriage, partnership means to you. This type of path requires a clear vision of who you are and finding out exactly what you want.

For example, if you feel drawn to S & M, BDSM, there are tons of resources that can give you guidance on how to play or maintain that type of partnership. Or, perhaps you want to be in an open relationship, or find out more about that, you can do that as well through multiple resources. No matter the lifestyle you choose, I can help you clarify your path.

Exercises you can do now:

In my desire to cut to the chase and be direct, I want to quickly remind people that marriage is a very old tradition. Without getting too involved with how this is also within the political and social context, I suggest you look up the original rules of marriage. See how far we have come and remember that it’s not too late to explore new ways to live and love.

Here’s an exercise you can do at home from my practice to you!

1) Describe how you feel now that you’ve read/researched a bit about the history of marriage. 2) Now, describe how you are feeling currently in your relationship. Don’t worry about the titles “married, engaged, etc” for now. All I’m asking is that you journal just a few paragraphs about the difference between the two. Think of it like a “compare and contrast” essay. If you have more questions, just ask me.

Examples

Examples of couples or individuals I’ve worked with:

• A couple who is engaged and before tying the knot, want to define what their rules and relationship will be and look like. This couple loves each other and they definitely want to get married, but aren’t sure once married, how they will go about living their lifestyle.

The Long Version:
The phrase "alternative lifestyles" encompasses a diverse range of non-traditional ways of living that deviate from societal norms and expectations. It refers to unconventional choices made by individuals or groups regarding various aspects of life, including relationships, family structures, sexuality, spirituality, work, and general social conventions.

At its core, an alternative lifestyle challenges the traditional and mainstream ways of living and seeks alternative paths that align with individual values, beliefs, and personal preferences. It represents a conscious decision to live outside the confines of societal conventions and the pursuit of alternative approaches to self-expression, autonomy, and personal fulfillment.

Alternative lifestyles can manifest in various forms. One prominent example is non-monogamy or consensual non-monogamy, where individuals engage in multiple romantic or sexual relationships simultaneously, with the full knowledge and consent of all involved parties. This includes polyamory, open relationships, or swinging. Another example is the intentional choice of living in intentional communities or communes, where individuals share resources, responsibilities, and often adhere to principles of sustainability, cooperation, and collective decision-making.

Furthermore, alternative lifestyles can refer to the rejection of commonly accepted gender roles and the exploration of non-binary or genderqueer identities. This may involve individuals identifying as gender non-conforming, genderfluid, or transgender, and actively challenging societal norms surrounding gender expression and identity.

Moreover, alternative lifestyles may involve the pursuit of spirituality or beliefs outside mainstream religions. This could encompass practices such as paganism, Wicca, New Age spirituality, or embracing indigenous spiritual traditions.
It's important to note that alternative lifestyles should be approached without judgment or stigmatization. These choices are deeply personal and reflect an individual's desire for self-expression, freedom, and authenticity. While alternative lifestyles may challenge societal norms, they can offer individuals a sense of fulfillment, belonging, and the ability to forge their own path in life.

In conclusion, the term "alternative lifestyles" encompasses an array of non-traditional choices people make in various aspects of their lives. It denotes a conscious departure from mainstream societal norms and represents a pursuit of individual autonomy, self-expression, and personal fulfillment, often in ways that challenge conventional expectations. It's essential to approach alternative lifestyles with an open mind and respect, recognizing that diversity in how people choose to live enriches our understanding of the world.