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.

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

It’s not something I could be comfortable with at this time in my life due to my own insecurities. That being said, I am very interested in and curious about swinger parties and if I was in a relationship I would enjoy exploring that together.

I respect couples that are open and honest and make it work. Kudos to you and your special lady

Apart from the disease risk, I've never understood the stigma of open relationships. You can have emotional monogamy without physical exclusivity. It's religion that's repurposed sexual pleasure so that it's off limits to anyone who isn't making babies inside of a committed relationship.

It's nice to have a regular partner, but it's also fun and exciting to have new ones every once in a while. To be honest, when I end up pushed into a monogamous relationship (as happens from time to time: I'm willing to give it up for someone who has potential) I miss the thrill of the chase (or, rather, the thrill of being chased) more than the actual sex.

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

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.

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.

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

To each their own. If it makes you and your partner happy, good on ya.

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 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 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'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.

My husband and I love the lifestyle!

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

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.

My partner is and always has been in monogomus relationships. I have done both. I enjoy poly relationships, and I miss the freedom to have interest in someone and be able to pursue it. I do respect my partner being mono and we have been mono for 11 years. He is great about me talking about having feelings for other people. We keep it and there is no jealousy regarding my feelings. I'm not sure which I prefer.

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.

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

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