I made a previous post about pursuing a guy who had interest in me previously, and I was worried as to why he ghosted me.

At first I felt hurt by it as the discussion of ENM with my partner and the excitement of a crush who I knew had interest in me back! It felt awesome, and now I actually feel good about being rejected? Being edged for months by this crush just to be rejected was exciting and uncomfortable at the same time. I haven't experienced a crush since I first met my partner. I discussed this crush and rejection with them and we even made a few passing jokes about him "missing out" on me and his way of doing it. It felt really nice to discuss this with my primary partner with reassurance, no tension, and a casual tone. It was nice change from how we both viewed jealousy and intimacy with others a few years prior to our relationship.

I can't say this will how every discussion and experience will go but it was nice to know that despite rejection, I had the opportunity to experience it and maybe explore ENM on a more real, physical way. Just talking to someone intimately was fun while it lasted and now they know what to expect of me if they ever reconsidered.