Content creator Jade Vow, 27, and her partner Josh Vow, 40, who have been together for eight years, have faced intense online backlash after sharing details of their open relationship. Jade sleeps with other men with Josh's full approval, while Josh has no interest in being with other women. Despite the criticism, the couple say their bond is stronger than ever.
Living Together 24/7 with a Twist
“We’re together 24/7 with work and living together — apart from when I’m in bed with someone else,” Jade told reporters. The couple, who moved from Taunton, Somerset, to Cyprus three years ago, say the furious backlash has only reinforced their belief they are living life the right way.
Jade, who has 69,400 followers on Instagram, said: “People got really mad, the comments were insane, but I expected it — especially from people on Facebook. 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.”
Origin of Their Dynamic
The arrangement began a year into their relationship when Josh revealed a kink: he wanted to be “cheated” on. Josh, a music producer who calls himself the “ultimate feminist,” told the Daily Mirror that he enjoys seeing Jade, who is bisexual, explore her sexuality independently. He prefers not to know who she is 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 explains. “Nine times out of ten, the misconceptions are wrong. 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. I also have a lot of people saying that I’m gay — I’m not — and Jade is bisexual.”
Emotional Boundaries and Misunderstandings
The open relationship is strictly sexual. Jade can find partners online or in real life, conducts safety checks, and sleeps with them without Josh present. He is happy hearing about it afterward. However, emotional boundaries are clear: if a partner makes Jade a meal or makes her laugh, Josh would feel hurt. “We’re soulmates, but that brings in a different connection I’m not comfortable with,” he said.
Jade added: “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 their situation to other niche interests: “I don’t understand why someone would spend £1,000 on a Pokémon card — I wouldn’t do it — but it doesn’t make me angry.” Jade agreed, noting that even within open relationships, she doesn’t understand fully open arrangements where people date and fall in love with others. “I don’t understand it, but it doesn’t bother me.”
Defying the Hate
While the couple found some supporters, they were surprised at the lack of open-mindedness. Josh exclaimed, “Leave people to do what the f**k they like — the hate just doesn’t bother us. Come and spend the night with us and see if you still feel the same.” They continue to share their story, undeterred by the criticism.
