Yeah, welcome to the sick, twisted dichotomy that is the human species...never play the old game of Who Can Get the Most Numbers...

definitely not my thing. I would not even be willing to try or talk seriously about it.

from an ethical standpoint, it's just what it is. it's nobody's business. from a practical standpoint, i can't imagine that most people wouldn't end up with a little jealousy. there can be exceptions, but every time i hear from someone in an open relationship, i hear complaints, not joy. you appear to be an exception. for myself, i couldn't even DATE more than one guy at a time. too draining. i ran into a couple guys who told me about their open relationships, one of them AFTER we'd had sex. so much for ethics! "my wife and i have an understanding," he said. "well, i don't!" said i. i have reason to believe the gentlemen in question were not telling me the truth, especially since that one didn't think it worth mentioning beforehand so i could make an informed choice.

g

I have friends in open relationships and I have been invited. I'm not sure this is the thing to do however. I'm also trying to think of my job as I say this. People are batshit crazy these days and you can't be sure what they will film or put online.

Personal experiences are up the people involved. I have only dabbled a little a long time ago. It was fun, and was only that.
I cannot say that if I ever find love again I would entertain it. But if the lady I could meet wanted me to join in this type of venture, then perhaps I may.
Either way, unless I'm invited to become a swinger, it has nothing to do with, and I refuse to be offended by the activity.

My husband and I love the lifestyle!

If people were mature and open minded open relationships could work..and actually be extremely healthy and beneficial for all party's involved

I never had an open relationship, but it's something I would have been open to explore--with the right person, under the right circumstances. Probably wouldn't work in this town: too small and conservative. I like the idea of having the option, though.

I've always been monogamous but I acknowledge that human beings don't seem to be designed for it. Consider that we're in heat year round and we live, on average, about 75-78 years. That's not really a recipe for monogamy.

Life is complicated enough with just one partner at a time.

Thanks guys, more replies than i expected. Tbh its the ability to go out with opposite sex and not have the issue jealousy. If all on same page its all good, but not all about sex which is what most people believe.

No, but that's only because I'd always feel mixed loyalty. I don't like that kind of ambiguity.

I don't judge other people. If it works out for them, that's cool. But I couldn't have intercourse with more than one partner in a relationship.

I am open to the concept, but not sure how it would actually pan out. I can go from free-love to jealous bitch in 42 seconds.

I was in an open marriage for roughly 5 years. I say was because we are now separated, not due to some blowout fight or betrayal, but because we have simply come to different points in our lives. We are still best friends, and will be best friends for the rest of our lives I would imagine. I don't think I've ever heard of a marriage that ends like that. I am definitely in favor of open relationships. Jealousy is a harmful phenomenon in my opinion, and has more to do with the insecurities of the jealous individual than some wrong that the other person has done. I feel we should be free to love, both emotionally and physically, as many people as we want. All people should be entitled to this right. It is an incredibly liberating way to live your life, not having to worry about the jealousy of others, and being able to show affection and caring for anyone you feel like.

Seems like a minefield to me. Best of luck to you. Be happy!

I don't have anything against open relationships, but it's not for me. Different strokes...

I am open to a relationship, yes. Wait, that's not your question ?

It's a redefinition of intimacy and relationship that is in opposition the the current pedigodgy but also could prove the way forward in the social progress towards true sexual equality. There are male strengths and female strengths that differentiate the sexes but that should not give one superiority over the other. Open relationships allow for greater freedom but may be difficult for some to accept because of what they have been conditioned to believe. I do think it's an evolutionary step forward.

I've experienced both and I can honestly say I am most comfortable with an open/poly relationship...the level of freedom and peace of mind it affords when jealousy is not an issue is beyond anything i ever achieved in a monogamous relationship...granted, its not for everyone but for those that understand and embrace it ... there is no better way than to simply "let go"... of the rules we were raised by...
As long as we do no harm we are free to make our own rules...morally we are no different...we just approach the relationship from outside the box.

I slept with a woman who was in an open relationship. Although it was fun, I never understood the utility of an open relationship.

I think people should be able to choose monogamy or non-monogamy without judgement by others or judging others. As long as you’re honest with your partner(s) straight on.

I’m in a more or less open poly relationship. I can’t imagine living any other way. Anyone wanting some form of relationship with me is informed that right at the very beginning.

Nah, doesn't work for me. Not opposed to it if it works for other people though

I'm fairly new to the lifestyle, I've only been non monagomous for a few years. My partner has been way longer, which has really helped my transition. I jumped right in with both feet hoping it would save a failing marriage (I knew the odds and the eventual outcome), it did not.
Fast forward a year, I met my current partner of almost 2 years now.
We moved quick, but established clear communication. That was the key, clear and constant communication.
All that to answer the questions above.
I'm in an open relationship because it fits who I am currently, it allows me to connect with someone on that level and still experience new things and new people. It forces me to confront my ego and keep myself in check. It allows me to explore the polyamorous curiosity I have. It has given me a new perspective on relationships and has helped remove that stain religion and society has put on sex with multiple partners.

One of my bestest friends is a woman i met in '92. We have long lunches and talk about everything. Never any sexual stuff.
The wife has male friends. And no sex.

My first marriage was much different. I miss being younger, sometimes.