Do you know anyone that is in an open relationship?

[FilthyBiscuit]

I don't. But I often read on here OPs being asked if they have an open relationship or should consider having one if they think their DH is having an affair.
It's not really a thing is it? Or am I just being naive?

My parents had an implied one. My father was seeing several people when he met my mother and they never really went exclusive. She wasn’t too pleased with it. Their marriage broke down in the end (for a variety of reasons). I don’t think it’s a bad thing so long as both parties communicate their needs properly.

Yep. It can just be a sex thing, but particularly if it's polyamory, it can be dates, emotional connection and just hanging out.

Thank you knitfast and category. I've often wondered.

Nope (as far as I know obviously)

I know three open couple. All lovely and it seems to work for them. Honestly I’d be keen myself if DP would agree but no chance there!

We have a fairly open relationship and both work away a lot, including stints abroad. We also holiday separately at times with friends and both have the green light to do what we like but not at home. It’s risky but we always tell each other if anything happens and we have no kids so only the two of us to worry about. We have both had experiences but have been together for 24 years so it’s not split us up so far. We are fairly adventurous sexually and have also been to sex clubs etc. We are both very laid back people though and don’t get jealous.

I think it’s more common than people realise. I’m in an open relationship but only very close friends know. When I told one friend, she confessed that her relationship was open too.

In our case, it works very well. We’ve been together many, many years and are very happy. The key is in good communication- talking to each other about what you want/ need, listening to the other and respecting each other.

My friend knows a couple who tried an open relationship but that didn’t work because it wasn’t what the man really wanted. He was just trying to stay with his partner at any cost, but it caused a lot of heartache because he couldn’t cope with her seeing other people. They ended up ending the relationship.

Open relationships only work if both parties are behind the idea.