Lily Allen’s new album West End Girl has sparked fresh conversations about what it really takes to open a relationship with care. Consensual non-monogamy isn’t about pressure or freedom from responsibility—it’s about communication, honesty, and emotional steadiness. This piece explores the key questions couples should ask themselves before considering CNM, and how to navigate the complexities with intention.

In relationships, misalignment of communication styles, boundaries, and values leads to more disagreements, isolation, an uneven sharing of workload, feeling dismissed, and an overall lack of attunement to your partner(s.) Read on for essential questions from a Couple Therapist to ask your partner to help you navigate holiday celebrations and family visits while staying emotionally connected.

If you’re curious about couple therapy and how it might help your relationship, don’t wait until your relationship is on the brink. Read on for more information about how couples therapy is helpful preventatively and that now is the time to try it out!