I've been in a relationship for almost three years now. In March 2007, we started discussing opening our relationship to the option of dating other people while still remaining a couple; however, we only "officially" declared our relationship open in November.
Up until this point, I had chosen not to take advantage of the situation; this was mostly because my boyfriend had been dishonest with me regarding a sexual encounter he had with a girl with known STDs, and I didn't want any liasion I had to be colored by my anger (aka, no revenge sex). Due to this and other problems, we have not had sex together in five months.
Over the holidays, I started hanging out with my best friend from high school (as we live hours apart and don't see each other often). What started as innocent evenings spent with him turned into something much more complicated-- turns out that we've both had "feelings" for each other for the past seven years. Conversation led to kissing, which led to making out, which led to the most amazing sex of my life. (Three-hour marathon sex, at that; my boyfriend and I have never gone beyond half an hour.)
Now, I'm worried. My boyfriend has already become a semi-established member of my family, and I of his. Our relationship is comfortable, if not passionate, and I do love him. He's done so much for me, and been there with me through some very difficult times. But I've never felt quite the same connection, and I would have always said that I trusted my high school friend much more. My boyfriend and I are speaking less frequently, and I'm spending more and more time with my friend. While I'm in an open relationship, I'm quickly reaching the point where being intimate with my friend is going to cross that certain, unspoken line of dating.
I guess, in short, my question is this: is my three-year relationship worth staying in, or should I pursue a new one with my old friend?