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Today, people find themselves opening up to a more open and exploratory way of connecting with others, breaking away from the one-size-fits-all concept of relationships. Traditional monogamy, the idea of being committed to just one person at a time, is now not the only accepted path to love, sex, and commitment.
Bumble, a women-first dating app, introduced one of its 2023 Dating Trends dubbed ‘Ethical Sexploration’ which revealed that the way that we talk, think about, and have sex is changing. According to Bumble’s Survey*, more Filipinos are approaching sex, intimacy, and dating in an open and exploratory way (49%) and sex is no longer taboo, with more than half of us agreeing that it’s important to discuss sexual wants and needs early on (60%). However, this doesn’t mean we’re all having more sex. 1 in 2 (51%) Filipinos surveyed are not currently having sex and they are okay with that, this is particularly true amongst Gen-Z.
The rising trend of Ethical Sexploration also means that Filipinos are increasingly looking for non-traditional relationship formats that might align more closely with their needs or desires. For one, 53% of Filipinos surveyed don’t believe you should only date one person at a time, and close to 1 in 10 (8%) have recently considered being in a non-monogamous relationship.
Navigating Ethical Sexploration
Ethical Sexploration prioritizes the well-being of all involved parties, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that everyone feels cared for, respected, and supported emotionally and physically. Whether you’re hesitant to talk about your sexual needs or are curious about non-monogamy, here are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to broaching the topic of Ethical Sexploration with your partner:
- Start by talking it out: Sit down with your partner(s) and have an open and honest conversation. Share your desires, set some boundaries, and lay out your expectations. Create a safe space where everyone can express their feelings without fear of judgment.
- Give consent and set boundaries: Ethical Sexploration is all about doing what feels right for you. Establish and respect boundaries that ensure the comfort and well-being of everyone involved. Regularly check in to ensure these boundaries are maintained and updated as needed.
- Prioritize safe practices: Practice safe sex and prioritize sexual health. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly, and use protection consistently to safeguard the health of all partners. Responsible sexual practices are key to healthy relationships.
- Establish emotional support and self-care: Recognize that jealousy and insecurity can arise in any relationship. Offer emotional support to your partners and seek support when needed. Prioritize self-care to maintain your emotional well-being, as healthy relationships involve personal growth and self-reflection.
- Find your partner(s) on Bumble: If you’re looking into Ethical Sexploration and are interested in connecting with like-minded folks, dating apps like Bumble can be your new best friend. Just like in real life, be upfront about your style of relationships and what you’re looking for on your dating profile. Furthermore, Bumble has a few features that help you find what you’re looking for. With Bumble Premium, you get access to Advanced Filters that allow you to search based on age, distance, religion, politics, education level, the kind of relationship someone is looking for, and more.
Bumble’s APAC Communications Director, Lucille McCart said: “Ethical Sexploration challenges us to expand our understanding of love and relationships beyond traditional norms. It’s a brave exploration of commitment and connection – one that encourages open dialogue, trust, and consent. At Bumble, we want to empower our community to take charge of their dating journey and choose relationship styles that align with their values and desires. As people explore this new setup, we are encouraged by the many ways singles are challenging the status quo and taking control of defining what a healthy relationship means for them.”
