Heart Lexicon

Open-minded - meaning and definition

Alsoopen mindedopen-mindednessopen to new things

Definition

On dating profiles, "open-minded" sometimes simply means tolerant, but it is also used as a hint of interest in kink, non-monogamy or group encounters.

At a glance

  • Can simply mean tolerant and curious.
  • Sometimes used as a hint of interest in kink, non-monogamy or group encounters.
  • One of the most misread words in dating profiles.
  • If it matters, asking directly saves time and protects consent.

In detail

Because the phrase is ambiguous, it is one of the most misread words in dating. A person may mean they like trying new food; another may be signalling that they are in an open relationship or into kink without saying so directly.

If it matters, ask. Being clear about what you are looking for respects everyone's time and consent.

In a sentence

  • Open-minded about food, travel and music. Not about pineapple on pizza.
  • When you say open-minded, do you mean you're in an open relationship?

Common questions

What does 'open-minded' mean on a dating profile?

It depends on the person. For some it means curious and accepting; for others it is a coded hint about non-monogamy or kink. If you are not sure, ask politely what they mean.

Related terms