I opened my relationship so I could sleep with other people — now I help my boyfriend find dates, too

New York Post

4 hours ago

It takes two … to fine number three.
Model Cami Strella and her partner, Lev Lieben, were in a long-term monogamous relationship, but after two years together, Strella suggested they begin to experiment with other partners.
'I wanted to have my cake and eat it, too,' said Strella. She explained that she valued the intimate, emotional connection she had with Lieben, but felt it was important to explore other sexual experiences as well.
4 'We just realised this is how we operate – but it's not for everybody,' Strella admitted.
Jam Press/@camistrella
'We basically dove headfirst into non-monogamy.'
She was excited about exploring her sexuality with others at first — Strella even vacationed in Thailand with one partner — but although it was her idea, she admitted she was apprehensive about sharing her fiancé with other women.
'I struggled quite a bit with letting go of the concept of ownership because sex with Lev had been so intimate for me,' she revealed.
'But I wanted to explore sex with other men and women, and it was only fair that he got to do the same.'
As with any relationship, there have been some bumps in the road, and it took the pair a while to get the hang of their new dynamic.
'There were a lot of misunderstandings in the beginning, and we had a lot of rules,' Strella recalled. 'It was a bit weird.'
'It's very normal to feel a bit awkward at first, but once you unbridle yourself from the concept of monogamy, it's really freeing.'
4 'It is a level of intimacy very few people will ever understand,' Strella explained.
Jam Press/@camistrella
However, the model and influencer explained that honesty was key to making it work.
The West Coast-based influencer has 410,000 followers on her Instagram account, @camistrella, and makes up to $220,000 a month sharing racy photos and videos online.
Prior to her current career, Strella was enrolled in a graduate school program studying occupational therapy and neurology, but ended up leaving when her classes went online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pair met while Strella was pursuing her master's degree and Lieben was serving in the army.
4 'There was nothing wrong with our relationship,' Strella clarified.
Jam Press/@36neex
She said that both she and Lieben are 'completely transparent' about other sexual partners.
'Funnily enough, now I really enjoy helping Lev find dates or hearing about his sex life with others.
'A few times, when he's told me a particular woman was 'great' in bed, I've even reached out to them myself – and ended up having sex with them,' she admitted.
Strella also believes that opening up their relationship has tested the strength of their bond.
4 'We have a deep connection that has only gotten stronger with time.'
Jam Press/@36neex
After two years of enjoying an open relationship, Strella says she hasn't regretted her decision.
'Since opening up to each other about our concerns and sharing our desires, it has turned into something really great.'
The couple enjoys complete sexual freedom, which could make some people feel uncomfortable — especially at the prospect of literally sharing a partner with strangers — but Strella says she doesn't mind at all.
'I like sharing Lev because he's an amazing person and I like the idea of other people recognising this.'
She also maintains that their bond as a couple, especially given that they've been together four years total and currently live together, is 'incredibly fulfilling.'
'The sex that Lev and I have is very different to the sex I have with anyone else,' Strella said.
'A lot of people don't realise that this is a way of life or that it's an option they could try, which is why I feel it's important to share our experience.'