Open Marriage
Updated:An open marriage is a form of consensual non-monogamy where married partners agree to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with other people while remaining committed to their primary relationship. This arrangement allows for sexual and/or emotional connections outside the marriage, with the full knowledge and consent of both spouses.
Open marriages can take various forms, depending on the agreed-upon boundaries and rules established by the couple. Some may allow only sexual encounters with others, while some might permit emotional connections as well. The key aspect is that both partners are aware and consenting to the arrangement.
Additional Information
Open marriages require clear communication, honesty, and trust between partners. Couples in open marriages often establish guidelines to ensure the primary relationship remains stable and prioritized. These may include rules about safe sex practices, frequency of outside encounters, or limitations on emotional involvement.
It's important to note that open marriages are different from infidelity or cheating, as they involve mutual agreement and transparency. They're also distinct from polyamory, which typically involves multiple committed relationships, though there can be overlap in practice.
Examples
A married couple agrees that they can each have casual sexual encounters with other people, as long as they inform each other beforehand.
Spouses in an open marriage attend swinging parties together, engaging with other couples while maintaining their primary relationship.