Swinger in 18-year relationship shares why you aren't cut out to be in an open relationship

A married couple who have been swinging for more than a decade have explained how you can tell whether you're cut out for partner swapping.

Consensual non-monogamy obviously isn't everyones cup of tea, however, high school sweethearts Bella and Jase believe it has been the making of them.

The pair got together in 2007 before dipping their toe into the swinging pool seven years later, and they've since become 'passion advocates' who promote the benefits of this lifestyle online.

They have a podcast where they discuss the secrets of the swinger scene and their personal adventures, while Bella and Jase also share regular updates about their relationship on social media.

For the most part, nothing is off limits for these two - as they've told us all about the specific details of their arrangement, their experiences on a 'spicy cruise' and the clandestine codes the community use to communicate.

Bella and Jase have been partner swapping for more than ten years (Instagram/@/4ourplay.official)

But Bella and Jase have also admitted that being a swinger is not all sex and smiles, as there are some downsides to their sexually liberating lifestyle.

And in an Instagram post shared last month, Bella explained why it's really not for everyone - and how you can realise you're 'probably not cut out to be a swinger'.

"Swinging isn’t always easy," she said. "There’s a lot of vulnerability, honesty, and communication skills required to have a successful and healthy open relationship.

"It’s not for everyone, and it’s not better or worse than the traditional relationship structures we’re used to seeing. It’s just different, and that’s okay!"

Bella explained that after 18 years of being with Jase and 11 years of swinging, they know exactly how to make sure their extra-curricular activities don't rock the foundation of their relationship.

The married couple warned that swinging isn't for everyone (Instagram/@/4ourplay.official)

But if you can't be 'openly honest, vulnerable, be able to create boundaries and respect other people's boundaries', she reckons partner swapping isn't the best idea.

Couples who are unable to have 'open conversations, talk through everything and be honest about their feelings' also probably aren't suited to the swinging lifestyle, in Bella's eyes.

"Most people have trouble with that in just normal day to day life and normal dating and so if you're having issues with that, swinging is not for you," she said.

Bella and Jase aren't the only swingers who have warned that the lifestyle isn't for everyone, as a number of people who appeared on Open House: The Great Sex Experiment also said it isn't as easy as it may seem.

One star of the Channel 4 reality show explained that it 'takes a lot of work to find compatible partners', while another warned that there is often a difference between 'what's possible and what you want' to go down in the bedroom.