Editing Relationships

= Relationships =
Given the much greater variety of sexual relationship possibilities, omegaverse sexual norms are necessarily different from Earth ones. Omegaverse also has a weaker distinction between romantic and platonic relationships than Earth does, with some types seen as straddling the line. Rather than being seen as either ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural’, relationships are seen as a status-giving spectrum – with some relationships conferring status, and others reducing status. Relationship types also come with stereotypical roles.

== Orientation Terminology ==
* Straight - male/female
* Gay - male/male or female/female
* Cross - alpha/omega, alpha/female beta, or male beta/omega
* Parallel - alpha/alpha, alpha/male beta, female beta/omega, or omega/omega
* Double - two partners of the same sex and dynamic
* Epicene alphas are included with male alphas and epicene omegas with female omegas.

== Relationship Hierarchy ==
=== Straight Cross Relationships ===
The 'ideal' romantic relationship is between a '''male alpha and a female omega'''. Such couples are HEAVILY pressured to produce babies, and may be denied opportunities to have careers. It's expected that they'll be supported by other pack members, and these couples may struggle if that isn't their reality.

Having a male or female beta as part of the relationship is also highly valued. This beta may or may not be a part of the sexual relationship. But they're expected to be a part of the family group, supporting the family, helping raise the kids, and maintaining their [[bonds]].

Other straight cross relationships are also seen as acceptable romantic relationships.

'''Alpha female + omega male''' and '''beta male + beta female''' are considered the 'best' option for those dynamics if they want to have pups. But there are pressures for these dynamics to find other roles, and leave the romance for the people 'made for it'. All beta couples may find it difficult to head packs. Alpha females usually experience less pushback when leading packs, but are still often assumed to be working to support the pack in traditionally female fields.

'''Alpha male + beta female''' and '''beta male + omega female''' are also normalized. These are fine. At least one part of the couple is designed for babies, so if they can't find a better option, why not? Also, you get a build in head beta!

=== Gay Cross Relationships ===
'''Beta male + omega male''' are heavily pressured against, given the high chance of death in [[pregnancy]]. 

'''Alpha male + omega male''' also has a higher danger for the omega, but this was not historically recognized, and such relationships are still seen as acceptable, and treated similarly to alpha male + omega female. It was, however, believed that male omegas were often 'too delicate' to handle 'true masculine virility'. Female alphas were considered 'gentler'. In the modern day, pregnancy requires vigilant medical observance. These couples almost never have a female beta third, as there's worry about 'competition'. Male alpha + omega couples have an 80% chance of having male pups.

'''Alpha female + beta female''' and '''alpha female + omega female''' are looked down on in conservative society, seen as 'stealing' female dams from men.  The decreased birthrate in female/female pairings (due to female alphas not producing singletons) was thought to be a result of female alphas being 'too similar' to a needy female omega or beta to properly care for them. At the other extreme, during the 70s there was an 'Amazon Movement', where all-female communities were created. Female alpha + beta has a 90% chance to produce female pups, while female alpha + omega has a 80% chance. Some of these communities still exist, and there are beliefs that utopian societies can be created through the removal of all other genders. (So far, the evidence suggests otherwise.) A lot of people have very strong opinions about all-female romantic relationships, and are very loud about them.

=== Straight Parallel Relationships ===
Relationship between males and females of dynamics that can't produce children together are complicated. (Ie. '''alpha male + female, alpha female + beta male, beta female + omega male, omega male + female'''.) They're seen as appropriate for support members of packs, but looked down on. It's seen as slightly pathetic for such people to be 'so desperate' for romantic love that they take this option. It would be better if they could be more 'pure', and satisfied with platonic connections. Outside of pack support roles, these kind of relationships are somewhat shocking. Who would CHOOSE such a relationship?!

=== Gay Parallel and Double Relationships ===
Relationships with someone of the same gender-dynamic are ASSUMED to be platonic. Same with '''female beta + omega''', and '''male alpha + beta'''. Close, committed friendships, perfect for support members of a pack, especially alphas and male betas. Not capable of raising pups, not about to have sex (because that would be WEIRD), but a healthy way to get emotional connection. If the reality is different, there's a lot of pressure to keep quiet about that fact.

=== Epicene Relationships ===
Some adult epicenes seek out other epicenes to avoid fetishization or erasure. [[genetics|'Weak']] epicenes, especially, deal with infantilization and exotification.

=== Trans Relationships ===
Relationships with [[trans|transgender]] individuals are usually judged based on their stated gender. This can lead to occasional problems when people treat the prohibitions on male beta + omega relationships as cultural taboos, rather than medical ones.

Relationships with [[trans|transdynamic]] individuals are complicated by prejudice, especially if the relationship is higher status when recognizing the transdynamic person's dynamic. People are assumed to be faking, seeking status, or seeking attention. If the relationship is lower status when recognizing their dynamic, people may be accused of avoiding responsibilities/being immature. [[Heats]]/[[ruts]] are brought up as 'proof' that no one can avoid their biological realities.

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[[Category: Culture]]