Bisexuality Support Group
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation which refers to the aesthetic, romantic, and/or sexual attraction of individuals to other individuals of both their own and the opposite gender or sex. Most bisexuals are not equally attracted to men and women, and may even shift between states of finding either sex exclusively attractive over the course of time.
My spouse and I have been married for over 18 years. Sparing the details, due mainly to our conservative religious tradition, my spouse never had a chance to explore her sexuality. She went straight from complete abstinence (not even masterbation) to hetero-monogamy. Any deviation from this path risked expulsion from religion, community and family.
About a year ago we started slowly extracting ourselves from this religious tradition which has been difficult, but overwhelmingly positive for us individually and as a family. A few days ago she confided in me that she is bi/pan-curious. I was thrilled to see her express the self-condifence and courage to share this with me. I don't have any illusions as to what this might mean for us, but I would rather see my best friend happy and whole without me than repressed and incomplete with me.
My biggest problem is I don't know how to convince her (and to a lesser extent myself) that I want her to discover and explore this aspect of herself. I adventured sexually in my younger years and learned that I am far on the hetero end of the spectrum which makes me mildly jealous of bi/pan people. Being hetero, I don't know how to or even if I can help her on this path.
For those of you who discovered or transitioned to bi/pan-sexuality as adults:
What did your partners/significant others/family do that helped you to discovered your sexuality safely and without judgement?
What do you wish your partners/significant others/family had done when you were first starting to question your sexuality?
What should I definitely not do as she explores this aspect of her sexuality?
As for the thing I wish my family had done: Not immediately try to convince me that any form of homosexual contact was an absolute disgusting pile of evil at every turn. (This is mainly my father's personal reasoning) I wish they would have just helped me learn about being in a loving relationship regardless of my partner's groin-gear.
What I (In my horribly finite wisdom) would advise you not to do is be afraid to participate in the exploration with her. If she wants to explore being in an open relationship and being intimate with other females for the first time then I would very carefully nurture her curiosity. Ask her questions, answer her questions honestly but with tact and kindness, and show a genuine interest in her explorations. I hope you both find a multitude of happiness and peace with your newfound knowledge ^^