So I've been in a relationship with my boyfriend for coming on 8 years now. It's been mostly really good, but more recently I've been feeling less into it. This is my first real relationship and I can't help but feel that I've missed out on a part of myself because of it.
It's not been helped recently because I've met someone, and I've really clicked with her, in a way that I hadn't with him. Thing is, I don't want to end my relationship with him necessarily. Recently I've been coming to realize that monogamy has never sat right with me, but when I brought this up to him he immediately shut it down and made a comment about poly people just wanting to cheat.
Idk, I don't think I'm really looking for answers about this, mostly just venting.
from a completely selfish point of view not yours at all it sounds like you want to treat your current relationship as a learning experience which immediately demotes your current partner to ex.
that should upset them unless they want you to leave.
if your need for existential growth through life experiences includes physical and emotional intimacy with someone else and don't want to burn the current bridge you must express some kind of adult honest communication and expect the worst.
otherwise just do what you want which is also quite common.