2007-12-20 19:25:36 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
I have known a few couples for whom open marriage works. In each case they both had careers that required extended periods apart. They did not swap or swing or anything like that.
I have also known a couple that simply brought other people home from time to time. I don't know exactly how or why but they broke up after only a couple of years.
I guess it works for SOME people under the right circumstances. Would you really want to risk your relationship just to try opening it?
2007-12-21 02:30:43 · answer #1 · answered by Bruce M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Open marriages can work, as long as one maintains a commitment to each other and honesty, communication, trust and respect.
The biggest danger any open marriage (whether swinging or polyamory) faces is when a couple tries to ignore unresolved issues--feelings of insecurity/jealousy, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and the like.
With monogamous marriage, we usually have a rough expectation of what it means. It may not be 100% accurate (and it really never is), but the path is well-established enough to let a couple coast from time to time through some of the rough patches.
In an open marriage, there are no well-established paths, no well-established models. Each person must be more aware of events and communication. A misunderstanding can cause a great amount of pain and hurt. Open marriages take more work--they are not for everyone.
When they do work, they can be wonderful and actually enhance the love between two people (or among more than two if agreements allow).
2007-12-26 17:13:11 · answer #2 · answered by Donald J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never been in any kind of open relationship. I don't think this works. The whole purpose of a marriage is that two people decide that they want ONLY EACHOTHER for the rest of their lives. If one wants an open marriage then why be married? They aren't even keeping the vows they made. I personally believe this leaves room for error. Open relationships are usually based on sex, but what happens if it falls into something deeper than that? I'm not saying it NEVER works but seriously, I'd venture to say that on a scale of 1-10, 10 being successful, that this arrangement would be a 2. NOPE not realistic.
2007-12-21 03:31:31 · answer #3 · answered by grneyedgrly 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
at first glance it seems like a good idea, "hey we love each other, why can't we find other people attractive too?" however, sooner or later jealousy will set in. there will inevitably be that one person that satisfies a need/ want more so than your spouse, or vice versa. it is a "have your cake and eat it too" scenario.
besides, historically the whole reason for being married is to create a place where children can be brought forth into the world. what will this child learn from flexible marriages? that commitments are not binding? that all relationships are open to modification? or worse yet , that if they do not satisfy your wants in a particular area you will find someone who does.
2007-12-21 04:29:04 · answer #4 · answered by Carlos B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do they work, well yes they can but they are hard and I would not recommend it if you have any doubt. If two people are completely secure and open and honest with each other they can have great benefits but for most people it can destroy a marriage. Good luck!
2007-12-21 10:48:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Open marriages are litterally caled LIVE-IN -RELATIONSHIP and these are happening in every society since history.Only an understanding of one another is required and the feeling of the responsibility for one another is enough for such a relationship.well the Progeny may not be legally accepted by the society but it( the relationship) is not a stranger to the society.
2007-12-21 03:54:03 · answer #6 · answered by william 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Works just great........... at potentially infecting you both with STDs. And also great for either the wife having a child who's father will have to be identified by DNA. And also great for the man that can have children running around and man sued for support. If a person wants this sort of thing why bother with the sham of getting married?
2007-12-21 04:32:36 · answer #7 · answered by genghis1947 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There are some successful swapping relationships out there some where . Do you really feel comfortable knowing your partner is with another person ? What if he would leave you for that person ? Or contracted an " s.t.d " ? I don't think it would , but that's my opinion . If you and your partner are agreeable to it , then go at it .
2007-12-21 03:40:15 · answer #8 · answered by coach.ricky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eeew. as much as I don't love my husband, I would never consider open marriage. That's just like having a roommate with benefits.
2007-12-21 03:36:58 · answer #9 · answered by Behave 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
open marriage is not marriage. whether it works? well, not for wife and husband.
2007-12-21 03:29:47 · answer #10 · answered by hwlwlf 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋