This study explores the practical experiences of gay male couples maintaining stable open relationships. By following up with the participants from Yang (2018) study, it examines the evolution and changes in their relationships over six years. Utilizing a narrative research approach, the study invited three gay male couples, aged 29 to 36 and in relationships for 9 to 11 years, who continue to engage in open relationships. Data was collected through individual and joint interviews and analyzed using a dyadic perspective and the "holistic-content" narrative analysis method.
The findings reveal that gay male open relationships exhibit a non-linear developmental trajectory, stabilizing through dynamic processes of closure and openness. Factors influencing relationship interactions include the initiation and personal motivations for entering open relationships, the establishment and consensus of agreements, the management of jealousy, feelings of compersion, and the impact of sociocultural contexts. Overall, as couples co-construct their relational imaginaries, their relationships may maintain a form of partial monogamy with "outsourced" sexual relationships or evolve towards more fluid non-monogamous boundaries. This study highlights the feasibility, potential, and diversity of relationships beyond monogamy.
Finally, based on the research findings, relevant recommendations for relationship practice, practical work, and future research are provided for reference.
