Jade and Josh Vow, a couple from Taunton, Somerset, who now live in Cyprus, have faced intense online criticism after speaking openly about their relationship dynamic, in which Jade sleeps with other men with Josh's full approval. Despite being called 'disgusting,' the couple says the backlash has only strengthened their belief that they are living life the right way.
Viral Reaction and Defiance
Jade, 27, who has 69,400 followers on Instagram under the handle @littlepidge, said: "People got really mad, the comments were insane, but I expected it – especially from people on Facebook." She added: "They have strong opinions, but we stick to one rule and that’s to not hurt anyone; otherwise, why do they care?"
Josh agreed: "Leave people to do what the f**k they like – the hate just doesn’t bother us."
Misconceptions About Their Relationship
The couple, who have been together for eight years, say they constantly battle misconceptions. Jade explained: "People think we don’t really love one another." Josh added: "Or the big one – that I just want to sleep with girls and this is my excuse to do so – people jump to a lot of conclusions."
Josh clarified that he is not gay, despite allegations, and Jade is bisexual. He said: "I don't really have an interest in sleeping with other girls. 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."
Handling the Hate
Jade admitted she is a "sensitive soul" and initially told herself she wouldn't read the comments, but couldn't resist. She said: "I found myself actually laughing for days – the craziest one was saying that people like us are the reason there needs to be a genocide… like what?! That’s so extreme."
The couple have found some supporters defending them. 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?'"
Their Theory on Critics
Jade believes critics are threatened by what they don't understand. She said: "I think people are bothered and threatened about what they don't understand or what they wouldn't be comfortable with personally. They don't understand how a relationship could work like this – maybe they’re jealous."
Josh added: "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."
How Their Arrangement Works
Jade can find men or women she finds attractive online or in real life, and after safety checks for work purposes, she can sleep with them without Josh present. Jade said: "He doesn't need to be there either, he's just happy hearing all about it afterwards. We’re together 24/7 with work and living together – apart from when I’m in bed with someone else."
Despite their unconventional lifestyle, the pair rarely argues. They said: "We don’t argue about who we share a bed with, but we can annoy one another about having mushrooms on a pizza."
Boundaries and Soulmates
Josh is comfortable with Jade's sexual encounters but draws the line at emotional connections. He said: "We’re soulmates but that brings in a different connection I’m not comfortable with."
