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Did you just learn you are an option and want to deal with a <\/span>backburner relationship<\/b>? This article explains a backburner relationship and subtle ways to deal with it.<\/span><\/p>\n Many of us grew up with the concept of love that emphasizes only one partner. We know there might be challenges and intruders, but you and your partner remain committed to each other. <\/span><\/p>\n It can be shocking to learn that your partner has a backup partner. In their excuse, this person is only an option should their “<\/span>real<\/b>” relationship not work out. That is the idea behind burner relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n Also, the <\/span>psychology of back burner relationships <\/b>is “what if?” You are not 100% committed to the relationship, but you feel safe, knowing it’s an option. Unfortunately, it hurts your other partner who thinks you are committed to them. <\/span><\/p>\n If you suspect your partner is like this, <\/span>how to get out of a backburner relationship<\/b> or how to deal with a backburner relationship might be the only thing on your mind. Thankfully, this relationship guide reveals much about backburner relationships and how to deal with them appropriately. But before we dive deeper, it might help to know the backburner relationship meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n Many have asked, “<\/span>what are backburner relationships?<\/b>” Backburner relationships describe partnerships where you maintain communication with someone from your past or an ex should your present relationship not work out.<\/span><\/p>\n According to psychologists, many of us can’t detach from an ex. Therefore, we maintain some closeness with them even when we have a perceived “committed” relationship with someone. This relationship was termed a “<\/span>backburner relationship<\/b>” by a <\/span>2014 relationship research and stud<\/span><\/a>y.<\/span><\/p>\n There is nothing wrong with keeping in touch with an ex or maintaining a liaison with someone from your past when you are single. However, it’s all shades of wrong to have the likelihood of reconnection or have an option when you are in a supposed “committed” relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n The psychology of backburner relationships is that you aren’t placing your eggs in one basket. If you are in a relationship, communicating with your ex or a crush means you are keeping your options open. There are several reasons to make such decisions, but it won’t look good on your partner, who thinks they are your better half.l<\/span><\/p>\n If you believe your partner isn’t focused or committed to the relationship like you are, it’s normal to feel betrayed. The thought that they are even considering a way out stings more than anything.<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, there is a difference between maintaining contact with an ex and constantly connecting with them. You may have a backburner relationship if you use your connection with an ex to avoid a deeper emotional connection with your current partner.<\/span><\/p>\n When you put someone on a back burner, you keep them as an extra. You aren’t exclusively committed to them but see them as a potential relationship to fall back on. In addition, a back burner is someone other than someone you occasionally think about. You reach out to them constantly, giving them a glimmer of hope that a relationship can ensue. <\/span><\/p>\n It can also happen whether you are in a relationship or not. Backburner relationships are more common than you think. According to a <\/span>2021 study<\/span><\/a>, over 300 adults in long-term relationships have backburner relationships with their “committed” partners.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn about tips to get over your ex in this video:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>What are backburner relationships?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n