Taboo Relationships: Society’s Disapproval
Hey there! Have you ever found yourself attracted to someone society deems inappropriate? Maybe they’re older or younger, of a different race, or even your teacher.
These are what we call taboo relationships. What exactly are taboo relationships?
These are romantic relationships that society deems inappropriate or morally wrong. They go against social norms and are often met with disapproval, moral judgment, and even embarrassment.
Examples of Taboo Relationships
- Age-gap relationships
- Interracial relationships
- Queer relationships
- Teacher-student relationships
- Dating a cousin
- Involving a third party in a marriage
- Falling for your best friend’s sibling
- Having a relationship with your therapist
- Open or polyamorous relationships
Why are Taboo Relationships Taboo?
Society has a set of norms and expectations for what is considered appropriate behavior. When individuals go against these expectations, they’re often met with disapproval and even ostracization.
For example, age-gap relationships often spark controversy and disapproval. When there’s a significant age difference, people often assume that the younger partner is being taken advantage of or that there’s a power dynamic at play.
Interracial and queer relationships have faced discrimination and prejudice, often because people hold onto outdated beliefs and don’t understand or accept different ways of loving.
The taboo around teacher-student relationships often stems from questions about informed consent and moral uprightness. Those who oppose such relationships worry that the student may be coerced or manipulated into a relationship they wouldn’t otherwise pursue.
Navigating Taboo Relationships
While society’s disapproval of taboo relationships can be difficult to navigate, there are some instances where these relationships can be consensual and fulfilling. The most important aspect of any relationship is informed consent, where both parties understand and agree to the relationship’s terms.
When it comes to age-gap relationships, for example, if both parties are consenting adults and have an honest, healthy relationship, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t pursue it. Likewise, if you’ve fallen for your best friend’s sibling and their sibling reciprocates your feelings, it’s possible to build a strong connection based on mutual respect and genuine emotion.
The key is that taboo relationships should be consensual and rooted in mutual respect. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge possible power dynamics for example, in the case of teacher-student relationships and make sure that both parties can provide informed consent.
Conclusion
Taboo relationships can be complex and difficult to navigate. Society’s disapproval can make these relationships feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that consenting adults can have fulfilling relationships, even if they don’t fit traditional molds.
As long as the relationship is built on informed consent and mutual respect, it can be a beautiful and fulfilling journey. So, what are your thoughts on taboo relationships?
Have you ever experienced one yourself? Let us know in the comments!
3) Loving Second Cousins: Taboo Relationships
Have you ever found yourself attracted to someone in your family?
Maybe a distant cousin or a young uncle? These relationships are called taboo relationships and are often filled with social stigma and embarrassment.
Falling in love with a distant relative can be tricky, not only because it’s taboo but also because it can lead to issues with the family gene pool. There’s a social taboo against marrying close relatives, which has led to a global taboo on marrying second cousins.
However, culture and tradition dictate that marrying within the family provides a level of safety to girls, especially in certain parts of India. Marrying within the family ensures that the girl is marrying someone within their family and the family will take care of the girl.
Its also seen as a way of keeping family relationships strong. That being said, even in cultures that allow marrying within the family, there are limits as to how closely related a couple can be.
For example, in India, first cousins marrying is considered taboo, and marrying second cousins is seen as acceptable but not preferred. For those outside of these cultural confines, it’s essential to navigate these relationships carefully.
While there’s a taboo surrounding loving second cousins, theres nothing inherently wrong with it, as long as both parties are of legal age and consent.
4) The Addition of A Third In The Marriage of Two: Open and Polyamorous Relationships
Open relationships and polyamory are becoming increasingly popular as individuals seek to redefine societal norms around love, relationships, and commitment.
However, it can be tricky for people to understand since traditional society holds that monogamy is the norm and deviation from that norm is seen as taboo. Open relationships are honest and consensual relationships in which both partners agree to have romantic or sexual relationships with other people.
The key to a successful open relationship is transparency and honesty with your partner. Without an open and honest conversation, an open relationship can lead to cheating, broken hearts, and may even contribute to the already high divorce rates.
When couples decide to open up their relationship, they must enter into it mutually. Both partners should be aware of the implications, the associated risks, and the potential pitfalls and have an established plan for managing them.
It’s crucial to make sure that the relationship is built on mutual agreement and honesty. Polyamory takes the idea of an open relationship a step further.
Polyamorous relationships involve mutually consenting individuals who have emotional romantic relationships or sexual relationships with more than one person. Polyamory is built on the idea of relationship openness, honesty, communication, and respect for each partner.
It’s important to note, however, that not everyone may be ready for or interested in exploring this type of relationship. It’s important to weigh the potential ramifications of such a decision including societal judgment and truly ask yourself why you’re considering this path.
Conclusion
Open relationships and polyamory are becoming more accepted in society, and for those who choose to pursue them, it’s crucial to go about it thoughtfully and carefully. With mutual agreement, honesty, and respect, these relationships can be just as fulfilling as more traditional ones.
5) The Sexy Secretary: Professional Conduct and Taboo Relationships
Have you ever been attracted to your secretary? While the idea of a romantic connection with a coworker can be exciting, getting involved in a romantic relationship with a subordinate is often met with disapproval.
It’s crucial to maintain professional conduct in a working environment, and managers can face disciplinary action if they allow their personal and professional relationships to mix. Romantic relationships between bosses and secretaries can also escalate often quick, adding more spears to the moral judgment.
Society has also created a taboo against these relationships, leading to societal criticism and ostracization. Not only is there a power dynamic at play, but a boss/subordinate relationship can be seen as an invasion of personal space and privacy.
It can make it difficult for others within the working environment to navigate, thereby causing conflict and resentment. With that said, there are examples of successful relationships between bosses and secretaries which have ultimately led to marriage.
For the relationship to be successful, it’s essential to understand and adhere to professional boundaries and have clarity around the personal and professional spheres of life. It’s crucial to tread lightly and consider all the associated risks before embarking on a taboo relationship like this.
6) Your Best Friend’s Annoying Brother/Sister: Falling for Best Friend’s Sibling
Have you ever found yourself attracted to your best friend‘s sibling? Falling in love with your best friend’s sibling can feel like a forbidden love, and it’s not always easy to navigate.
It’s natural to develop feelings for someone close to your best friend, but society has created a taboo around these relationships that can cause discomfort and even embarrassment. The biggest challenge when falling for your best friend’s sibling is how it can impact the friendship.
While you may have romantic feelings for their sibling, your best friend may see the relationship as a betrayal and choose to end the friendship. It’s essential to weigh the potential costs and benefits of pursuing a relationship with your friend’s sibling.
If you decide to go ahead with dating or marrying your best friend’s sibling, it’s crucial to approach the relationship with sensitivity, taking into account how it may impact the family dynamic. It’s also important to be aware of any family drama or history that could influence the relationship.
It’s also essential to consider whether initiating a relationship with your best friend’s sibling is worth the societal judgment that may come with it. Ultimately, the decision to pursue a relationship with your best friend’s sibling should be based on your feelings towards each other and how you both feel about the risks associated with it.
Conclusion
Falling for your best friend’s sibling or engaging in a romantic relationship with a subordinate may be considered taboo by society, but it’s important to remember that every relationship is unique. While they can be challenging to navigate, with open and honest communication, and mutual respect, all relationships can be fulfilling, regardless of any societal judgment.
7) When Things Get Steamy with the Boss: Relationships with Superiors
Have you ever found yourself attracted to your boss? Engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with a superior is often viewed as taboo by society, and for good reason.
This type of relationship can cause issues in the workplace and raise concerns about professionalism and work ethics. When it comes to relationships with superiors, societal judgment is often frequent, fueled by concerns about favoritism, nepotism, or uneven power dynamics that can disrupt the professional balance at the workplace.
Most people see it as abominable and a violation of ethics, particularly because of the seductive power that might come with their positions, regardless of any physical or emotional connections. In any relationship between a boss and employee, it should be mutual decision-making as to whether you’ll pursue a romantic connection or not.
You’ll need to have a frank discussion with your boss to establish whether you both share any mutual interest after which should be considered before anything is actioned. It’s also crucial to consider public visibility and the possibility of how it might impact your career goals.
The most crucial element when considering this sort of relationship between a boss and their employee is genuine romantic connection. Without this, any relationship will fizzle out relatively quickly.
Additionally, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of the relationship and consider the potential consequences of workplace scrutiny and societal judgment.
8) Chemistry with Your Psychologist?
– Falling for Your Therapist
Have you ever developed romantic feelings for your therapist? When in emotional counseling, the bond that develops between patients and therapists can be quite intimate, and sometimes it’s not unusual to develop romantic feelings.
In these situations, it’s essential to understand the ethical implications of a therapist-patient relationship. Engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with your therapist violates the ethical boundaries of the therapeutic relationship and runs the risk of compromising your therapy sessions.
When romantic or sexual feelings arise between a therapist and their patient, it’s often called ‘erotic transference,’ or when therapists react to their patients’ sexuality in an inappropriate manner, ‘countertransference.’
These types of relationships are often met with societal and professional judgment because of the potential for psychological damage, such as feelings of betrayal, abandonment, and confusion, that might come with the dissolution of the relationship. Open communication is key in any counseling relationship, and it’s important to bring up any feelings that may arise so that the therapist can navigate the situation appropriately.
If a romantic connection is established, the therapist must refer you to another therapist to avoid violating professional ethical conduct codes.
Conclusion
Romantic relationships with superiors or falling in love with your therapist can be emotionally potent and intensely tempting but should be approached with caution.
It’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits of the relationship and consider how public perception will impact both parties. It’s also crucial to prioritize ethical boundaries and professionalism in such relationships since it speaks to the heart of the societal expectations that come with such engagements.
9) Getting Closer with An Ex-Lovers Friend?: Dating A Friend of An Ex
Have you ever found yourself attracted to a friend of an ex-lover? When one pursues this type of relationship, it can violate the boundaries that were established in the previous relationship.
It’s important to consider personal relationship boundaries and understand the possible repercussions before embarking on this type of relationship. Starting a relationship with an ex-lover’s friend can lead to issues of personal and family drama.
The disapproval of society and judgment from mutual friends and family members regarding the new relationship can cause conflicts and feelings of betrayal. It’s also essential to distinguish whether the possible connection is genuine and not just a product of rebellion or revenge that might come with the perception of infidelity.
There’s also the risk that the relationship isnt genuine, and relationships begun on false pretenses won’t last. When pursuing a relationship with an ex’s friend, it’s vital to make sure it’s worth the drama, and both parties understand and respect the situation that comes with the relationship.
10) The Age-Gap Factor: Society’s Criticism of Age-Gap Relationships
Have you ever been in an age-gap relationship? Age-gaps are relationships in which there’s a significant difference in age between the two partners.
While it’s not uncommon, such relationships are often viewed negatively by society. Critics of age-gaps relationships suggest that there’s a generational gap that leads to confusion about shared experiences or lifestyle differences.
Others might suggest that the younger partner may not be mature enough for the relationship. Frequently, inappropriate to ask unkind questions such as questioning the morality of the relationship, especially when the difference in age might be significant.
These societal criticisms lead to the overall stigma surrounding age-gap relationships, and it hinders the couple’s ability to experience that part of the relationship like others without societal pressure, they might stop existing. However, with increasing awareness, there’s been a shift in attitude towards age-gap relationships, and it’s seen as a personal choice.
There’s no reason to feel rejected when pursuing an age-gap relationship as it is no one’s business what the personal choices of others are in their relationships. While age-gap relationships don’t follow a particular age cut-off, the cultural preference has long been for partners to be within a few years of each other.
Many people, including celebrities, have brushed off age-gap relationships, and that it still works. When it comes to age-gap relationships, it’s important to focus on the biology and the fertility rate of an individual.
it’s essential to accept and affirm that age is just a number and what is most important is valuing and taking care of each other, and building a healthy and functional relationship.
Conclusion
Age-gap relationships, dating an ex’s friend, and not just a mere taboo as they present obstacles to navigate.
It’s important to make informed decisions based on mutual agreement regarding any relationship that people engage in and establish clear boundaries and open communication. The societal pressure in each situation is intense, but people must accept that societal expectations are not the yardstick of a relationship’s success.
