Content creator Jade Vow, 27, and her partner Josh Vow, 40, have been together for eight years and openly share their open relationship online, where Jade sleeps with other men with Josh's full approval. The couple, who moved from Taunton, Somerset, to Cyprus three years ago, have faced intense backlash, being branded 'disgusting' by online commenters. Despite the hate, they insist their relationship is strong and the criticism only reinforces their choices.
'We're together 24/7 — apart from when I'm in bed with someone else'
Jade, who has 69,400 followers on Instagram, said the comments were 'insane' but expected, especially from Facebook users. 'They have strong opinions, but we stick to one rule, and that's to not hurt anyone; otherwise, why do they care? They bring us a lot of views, so bring it on,' she said. Josh, a music producer, added, 'Leave people to do what the f**k they like — the hate just doesn't bother us.' The couple's dynamic began a year after dating when Josh revealed his kink: he wanted to be 'cheated' on.
Josh calls himself the 'ultimate feminist'
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Josh explained that he likes Jade, who is bisexual, to explore her sexuality independently. He prefers not to know who she sleeps with, though they sometimes pick out men together on dating apps, and Josh has even befriended some of them. 'The big misconception – that I just want to sleep with girls and this is my excuse to do so – people jump to a lot of conclusions,' Josh said. He clarified that he has no interest in sleeping with other women himself. 'I would, but I don't; that's not my thing – my main thing is seeing and hearing about Jade with guys. I like to see her express her sexuality.' He also denied being gay, stating, 'I'm not — and Jade is bisexual.'
Emotional boundaries strictly maintained
The open relationship is strictly sexual, with emotional boundaries in place. Josh is happy for Jade to enjoy sex with others, but if a partner makes her a meal or makes her laugh, he would feel hurt. 'We're soulmates, but that brings in a different connection I'm not comfortable with,' he said. Jade can find men or women she finds attractive online or in real life, but must perform safety checks. She can sleep with them without Josh present; he is content hearing about it afterwards.
Backlash strengthens their resolve
Despite finding some supporters, the couple were surprised by the lack of open-mindedness. Jade said, 'I knew we were going to get hate, but I did think there would be a slightly larger percentage of people that would have the brains to think, "well they're enjoying it, so who cares?" I think people are bothered and threatened about what they don't understand or what they wouldn't be comfortable with personally.' Josh compared the criticism to spending money on a Pokémon card: 'I don't understand why someone would spend £1000 on a Pokémon card — I wouldn't do it — but it doesn't make me angry.' Jade added, 'Even in our open relationship world, I don't understand how people are in fully open relationships where they go off and date other people and fall in love — that's crazy to me. I don't understand it, but it doesn't bother me.'
