Amelie and Merlot, though in different ways, are among my favourite merbites! So, though I should be packing for an upcoming trip, I do want to respond to their contribution and add my own.
Amelie, as usual, takes things to a higher level: rather than asking whether it is possible to have a serious relationship with an SP, she thinks we should really ask whether it is possible to be in a serious 'open' relationship. Amelie also brings in a very important personal element: for her an open relationship is honest, and 'open' means sincere and transparent; also, rather than 'serious' she uses the word 'committed' (actually, 'very committed').
A few years ago, Amelie's ideal was called 'polyamory' and her type of relationships 'polyamorous'. To the question, Amelie answers YES, and she also adds that her personal choice is not to be ever monogamous. In response, I have to be equally personal and honest. IF I ever decided to be polyamorous forever, then my answer would be the same as Amelie: an unqualified YES! I do not yet know for how long I will consider myself polyamorous, though presently I do. So, for now, Yes, I could be in a committed relationship with a person who practices polyamory, whether she is an SP or not. Are there SPs who are polyamorous, that is honest and transparent? Amelie obviously is, and i have come across a few SPs who, I believe, are. I also have come across very non-transparent SPs who lie as they breathe, probably to themselves first. But I have run into as many people of both sexes who lie as they breathe. I have no wish to be friends with them, whether they are SPs, or nuns, or, for that matter, monks!
I love Amelie, and I like Merlot for his gentle heart and his sharp mind (if we ever meet I may end up loving him to, as a friend LOL()!). His A), B) and C) distinction is very enlightening. But I would add a third possibility:
D) Dating someone for fun, having sex with her (paying of not for it) and truly caring for her as a real friend does, hence with the commitment that one towards real friends.
I answered 'YES I would' to the poll, in the sense of D). I really would love to know how many people (SP in particular, but not exclusively) would sincerely answer the same way.
Orgone