'Resentment and hurt': Expert's word of warning over Nikki Glaser's 'risky' relationship confession

An expert has weighed in on comedian Nikki Glaser's "risky" relationship confession, warning it can lead to "resentment and hurt" if not handled carefully.Glaser, 41, admitted on this week's Call Her Daddy podcast that she isn't opposed to her on-again-off-again boyfriend and TV producer partner Chris Covey hooking up with other people."In a relationship, I don't really care if my boyfriend were to hook up [with others]," the comedian told host Alex Cooper.Watch the video above.However, she said this "is not a two-way street"."I'm not someone who likes to hook up when I'm in a relationship. I don't really care about that. But I don't care if someone else were to. In fact, I kind of like it," she shared.Melissa Ferrari, a psychotherapist and relationship counsellor, tells nine.com.au modern relationships like this are "becoming more visible and more openly discussed", but that "doesn't mean they're easy".READ MORE: Hollywood legend reveals secret health battleREAD MORE: Common feature Costco intentionally left out of their self-checkoutsREAD MORE: Australia's best supermarket frozen meals have been crownedInstead, they are "reflecting a shift in how people think about love, commitment, and what they expect from one partner"."Relationships aren't one-size-fits-all, and what we're seeing – particularly among Millennials and Gen Z – is a growing willingness to question traditional relationship structures and explore alternatives," she said."Research shows increasing openness to non-monogamy, with many people recognising that expecting one person to meet every emotional, practical and sexual need can be a lot."That said, an open relationship – especially a one-sided one – can work, but only under very specific conditions. "The key isn't the structure itself, it's whether there is clear, mutual agreement, emotional safety, and ongoing honesty."She said where this becomes "risky" is when there is an imbalance."If one partner is genuinely comfortable and the other is quietly tolerating it to keep the relationship, that's where resentment and hurt tend to build over time," Ferrari explained."For some couples, arrangements like this can reduce pressure and allow more flexibility – particularly if there's a strong foundation of trust and communication already in place."But it's not a shortcut to fixing issues. In fact, introducing other people into a relationship can often amplify any cracks that are already there."Ferrari said the most important questions couples should be asking are: "Are we both truly OK with this? Have we defined boundaries clearly? And can we talk about this openly as things evolve?""Ultimately, healthy relationships aren't defined by whether they're open or monogamous – they're defined by consent, clarity and respect on both sides," she added.Glaser spoke further about her unconventional relationship with Covey, saying she doesn't believe in soul mates."You do not know that the person you are with is the best person for you. There are too many people on this planet, you haven't met any of them. You never will. So you have to settle," she said.When asked what Covey thinks about her relationship philosophies, Glaser said he "totally understands that there's someone better for him too" and that she doesn't think she is "the love of his life."She also confirmed he had "done some stuff" with other women."He probably wouldn't appreciate me elaborating on that, but there's been interesting things that have been really fun for me to hear about and experience," she said."Sometimes I'm too busy to be really sexy, so I'm like, 'Go out and get some attention.'"She continued, saying the odds of meeting the person who's "best for you" are "low.""I don't believe in soulmates and I do believe you have to say, 'This is the best I can do right now, and I'm gonna just cash in my chips because I probably could do better, but who knows?'"Glaser is a stand-up comedian and actress who made history as the first woman to host the Golden Globes awards show solo in 2025.She was invited back to host the ceremony for a second time in 2026.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.