Open relationship

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Non-monogamy
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An open relationship, also known as non-exclusive relationship, is an intimate relationship that is sexually non-monogamous. The term may refer to polyamory, but generally indicates a relationship where there is a primary emotional and intimate relationship between two partners, who agree to at least the possibility of intimacy with other people.

Open relationships include any type of romantic relationship (dating, marriage, etc.) that is open.[1] An "open" relationship is where one or more parties have permission to be romantically or sexually involved with people outside of the relationship. This is opposed to the traditionally "closed" relationship, where all parties agree on being with one another exclusively.[citation needed] The concept of an open relationship has been recognized since the 1970s.[2]

Types[edit]

To a large degree, open relationships are a generalization of the concept of a relationship beyond monogamous relationships.[3] A form of open relationship is the open marriage, in which the participants in a marriage have an open relationship.[3]

There are several different styles of open relationships. Some examples include:

  • Multi-partner relationships, between three or more partners where a sexual relationship does not occur between all of the parties involved.[3]
  • Hybrid relationships, when one partner is nonmonogamous and the other is monogamous.[3]
  • Swinging, in which singles or partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with others as a recreational or social activity.

The term open relationship is sometimes used interchangeably with the closely related term polyamory, but the two concepts are not identical. The main unifying element to open relationship styles is non-exclusivity of romantic or sexual relationships. Another generic term for all these types of relationships is open love.[4]

Swinging[edit]

Main article: Swinging (sexual practice)

Swinging is a form of open relationship in which the partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with others at the same time. Swingers may regard the practice as a recreational or social activity[5][6] that adds variety or excitement into their otherwise conventional sex lives or for curiosity. Swingers who engage in casual sex maintain that sex among swingers is often more frank and deliberative and therefore more honest than infidelity. Some couples see swinging as a healthy outlet and means to strengthen their relationship.

Open marriage[edit]

Main article: Open marriage

An open marriage,[7] sometimes referred to as consensual non-monogamy[8] or CNM, is a type of marriage wherein the involved parties unequivocally consent to their partners entering or engaging in romantic and/or sexual relationships with other people.[9]

Polyamory[edit]

Main article: Polyamory

Polyamory is the practice, desire, or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. While "open relationship" is sometimes used as a synonym for "polyamory" or "polyamorous relationship", the terms are not synonymous. The "open" in "open relationship" refers to the sexual aspect of a relationship, whereas "polyamory" refers to allowing bonds to form (which may be sexual or otherwise) as additional long-term relationships.[3]

The terms "polyamory" and "friends with benefits" are fairly recent, having come about within the past few decades[10] though the concept is as old as society.

Prevalence[edit]

Some believe that open relationships occur more frequently in certain demographics, such as the young rather than the old in America, including, more specifically, the college-educated middle-class, rather than the uneducated working-class, or people of certain ethnic and/or other racial minorities.[11] Open relationships may also be more common among females rather than males, especially those in the same categories, such as college-educated, middle-class, white, younger Americans.[11] This may be because women have more to gain by stressing this idea of equal rights, and that the women's rights movement supports the idea of open relationships.[11]

A 1974 study showed that male students who either cohabit or live in a communal group are more likely to become involved in open relationships than females, and are still more interested in the concept than females even if not participating in open relationships.[11] A survey taken by gay men's "health and life magazine", FS Magazine, of the 1,006 gay men they surveyed 41% are in, or have previously experienced, an open relationship. Of the men who are in an open relationship, 75% believe that open relationships are great.[12][13]

Many couples within open relationships are dual-career, meaning that both primary partners have a stable job and/or a career. Both men and women in these, especially in closed groups, are also more likely to be in managerial jobs. Most also are either childfree, or post child-rearing.[14]

Reward vs. risk[edit]

Reasons for entering an open relationship[edit]

An open relationship may form for various reasons. These include:[citation needed]

  • liking another person but not wanting to end the old relationship
  • being non-monogamous by nature (i.e. born that way)[citation needed]
  • a difference emerging between two people in a relationship
  • one partner realizing that they are unable to fulfill the other's needs[3]
  • varying sex drive between partners[3]
  • one or both partners desiring more freedom, companionship, intellectual variety, a variety of sexual partners,[15] getting ahead career-wise or maintaining relationships
  • a need for challenge: some people feel that their relationship is inadequate unless they are being challenged. Open relationships may create a sense of jealousy, attachment, or possessiveness, all of which are challenges for a relationship to work through.[3] These emotions can also lead to greater self-awareness which may be seen as satisfying to those in open relationships.[3]
  • the enjoyment of new relationship energy, the state of heightened emotional and sexual receptivity and excitement experienced during the formation of a new physical relationship[3]
  • being able to meet other couples and individuals with a similar outlook with whom the participants can connect with on an intellectual and emotional level[14]
  • being in a relationship of convenience, that is, one that is not primarily based on mutual feeling of love towards each other (anymore), but rather on economic or social factors (e.g.: the traditional practice of polyandry in rural Tibet)
  • distance – when partners live in separate parts of the world for part or all of the time
  • sex may be more pleasing, and the participants may engage in it more frequently than those in an average couple[14]

“It has been proposed that men (both gay and straight), in contrast to women, are able to cognitively separate sex from emotions (or love) in a process commonly termed compartmentalization.[16]" This means it is not unusual for homosexual men to have open relationships, which means breaking the ‘norm’ of a committed and ‘typical’ heterosexual relationship. That is not to suggest that open relationships do not work; research has shown comparable relationship satisfaction for both monogamous and non-monogamous couples.[17] However, it could be that there is a lack of emotional investment in the relationship that makes it harder to navigate through tough times.

Reasons for avoiding an open relationship[edit]

Many couples consider open relationships, but choose not to follow through with the idea. If a person attempts to approach their committed monogamous partner about transitioning to an open relationship, the monogamous partner may convince or coerce them to either stay monogamous or pursue a new partner.[3] There may also be concern that when beginning an open relationship, a partner may become only concerned in their personal development and pay less attention to their partner.[10]

Jealousy is often present in monogamous relationships, and adding one or more partners to the relationship may cause it to increase.[10] Results of some studies have suggested that jealousy remains a problem in open relationships because the actual involvement of a third party is seen as a trigger.[18] In Constantine & Constantine (1971), the researchers found that 80% of participants in open marriages had experienced jealousy at one point or another.[18]

Cultural pressure may also dissuade initiating or switching to an open relationship. There is a commonly held societal stereotype that those involved in open relationships are less committed or mature than those who are in monogamous relationships. Films, media, and self-help books present the message that to desire more than one partner means not having a "true" relationship. In the post-WWII 1950s-1970s, it was traditional to "date around" (with guidelines such not going out with one particular suitor twice in a row) until ready to start "going steady" (the onset of exclusivity and sexual exploration); since then, non-exclusive dating around has lost favour and going directly to steady (now known simply as exclusive dating) has been elevated instead.[19] Desiring an open relationship in these days often claimed to be a phase that a person is passing through before being ready to "settle down".[3] The logistics of an open relationship may be difficult to cope with, especially if the partners reside together, split finances, own property, or parent children.[3]

Sexually transmitted infection[edit]

Main article: Sexually transmitted infection
See also: safe sex and polyfidelity

Any sexual contact outside of a strictly monogamous or polyfidelitous relationship increases the possibility that one member of the group will contract a sexually transmitted infection and pass it into the group.

Neither barrier device use (such as condoms) nor more vigilant STI testing and vaccination can fully eliminate such risk,[20] but can reduce the statistical increase attributable to nonmonogamy.

Successful open relationships[edit]

One of the most significant factors that aids a relationship in being successful is that it is about making the relationship fit the needs of all parties involved. No two open relationships will be the same, and the relationship will change due to the current circumstances at each specific moment. The style of the open relationship will mirror the parties' involved values, goals, desires, needs and philosophies.[3]

The most successful relationships have been those that take longer to establish. By taking the time to develop a clear idea of what both partners want out of the openness of a relationship, it allows the parties involved to self-reflect, process their emotions, deal with possible conflicts, and (for those transitioning from monogamy to nonmonogamy) find ways to cope with the change.[3]

Negotiating the details of the open relationship is important throughout the communication process. Topics that are commonly found in negotiations between couples include honesty, the level of maintenance, trust, boundaries and time management.[21]

Other tools that couples utilize in the negotiation process include allowing partners to veto new relationships, prior permission, and interaction between partners. This helps to reassure each partner in the relationship that their opinion is important and matters. However, although ability to veto can be a useful tool in negotiation, a successful negotiation and open relationship can still occur without it. Some reject veto power because they believe it limits their partner from experiencing a new relationship and limits their freedom.[3]

Boundaries[edit]

Types of boundaries include physical, which is along the lines of not touching someone without permission being given; sexual boundaries; and emotional boundaries, which is avoiding the discussion of specific emotions.[3] Boundaries help to set out rules for what is and is not acceptable to the members of the relationship. They also help people to feel safe and that they are just as important in the open relationship as their partners.[3]

Examples of boundaries that are set could include:[3]

  • Who (geographically and interpersonally, such as in the community, friends, family, et cetera) could be an additional partner;
  • What types of physical limits are placed on that relationship (kissing, dating, or other sexual activities);
  • Whether sexual relations will take place in a separate bedroom, playroom or premises (e.g. hotel).

Some couples create a physical relationship contract. These can be useful in not only negotiating, but also clearly articulating the needs, wants, limits, expectations, and commitments that are expected of the parties involved.[3]

Time management[edit]

Adequate time management can contribute to the success of an open relationship. Even though having a serious commitment with one partner is common, negotiating the time spent among all partners is still important. Although the desire to give an unlimited amount of love, energy, and emotion to others is common, the limited amount of time in a day limits the actual time spent with each partner. Some find that if they cannot evenly distribute their time, they forego a partner.[3] Time management can also be related to equity theory, which stresses the importance of fairness in relationships.[21]

Research on open marriages[edit]

Positive outcomes[edit]

Published 1974, a national study of sexuality conducted by Hunt found that relatively few people engage in swinging. Hunt attributed the low number of people in these open marriages to various social, psychological, and practical problems. Yet, some of these people "confirmed what the advocates and enthusiasts have claimed—namely, that marital swinging can provide physically intense experiences, that it can be immensely ego-gratifying and that it is a temporary release from confinement and responsibility and a brief chance to live out one's wildest fantasies" (pages 273–274).[22]

Some studies show that couples in open marriages can maintain satisfying relationships. Rubin observed no differences in marital adjustment between couples in open marriages and couples in sexually monogamous marriages.[23] Rubin and Adams reported no differences in marital satisfaction between couples in open marriages and couples in sexually monogamous relationships.[24] Gilmartin likewise found no differences in marital satisfaction between sexually open and sexually monogamous couples.[25] A study by Bergstrand and Willams found couples in open marriages had higher levels of satisfaction than couples in the general population.[26]

Some couples in open marriages report high levels of satisfaction with their relationships. A study conducted by Wolf found that 76 percent of couples in open marriages described the quality of their relationships as "better than average" or "outstanding".[27] Dixon found similarly high levels of marital satisfaction in a study of 100 bisexual and heterosexual husbands in open marriages.[28] In another study, Dixon observed that 80 percent of wives in open marriages rated their marital compatibility as "excellent" or "good", and 76 percent of the wives rated their sexual satisfaction as "excellent" or "good".[29] Buunk has also reported high levels of satisfaction in couples in open marriages.[30]

Some couples feel open marriage has increased their marital satisfaction. Bergstrand and Williams collected online questionnaires from 1092 people involved in swinging style open marriages.[26] Among those people who said they were "somewhat unhappy" or "unhappy" with their marriages before swinging, around 80–90 percent said they were happier with their marriages after they started swinging. Nearly half of people who said they were "very happy" with their marriages before swinging claimed to be even happier with their marriages after swinging. Open marriage can in some cases increase marital satisfaction.

Neutral outcomes[edit]

Couples sometimes drop out of the open marriage lifestyle and return to sexual monogamy. In a five-year study of bisexuals, 80 percent of whom initially had open relationships, Martin Weinberg, Colin J. Williams, and Douglas Pryor observed a definite shift towards sexual monogamy over time.[31] When first interviewed, a majority of these bisexuals preferred sexual non-monogamy as their ideal form of romantic relationships. Five years later, around 60 percent had changed their views, and most of those who changed their views said sexual monogamy was their new ideal. Some of these changes were motivated by the emergence of the AIDS epidemic. Monogamy was seen as a way to avoid getting HIV/AIDS. But, for many, the shift to monogamy was due to a genuine change in what they sought in relationships. Their desire to be sexually monogamous had nothing to do with the AIDS epidemic.

Couples who try open marriages and decide to return to sexually monogamous marriages may be left with different feelings about open marriage. Some may have negative feelings about their open marriage experiences.[32] Others may continue to "see nonmonogamy as possibly good for others but not for themselves".[31] Overall, open marriage has a relatively neutral impact on these couples.

Negative outcomes[edit]

Couples in open marriages expose themselves to the potential for conflicts caused by jealousy. Couples in open marriages appear to experience jealousy more frequently than people in sexually monogamous marriages.[33][34] Studies have shown that 80 percent or more of couples in open marriages experience jealousy over their extramarital relationships.[35][36] Jealousy with its roots in open marriage can lead to serious conflicts. For example, attempting to interfere with a rival relationship may make a partner angry. Insulting or berating a partner may provoke retaliatory responses. Demanding greater commitment may ignite arguments. Indeed, many studies have reported that conflict occurs during episodes of jealousy.[37] The conflicts caused by jealousy can seem overwhelming and damage relationships.

Even when jealousy is not an overwhelming problem, open marriage may cause other complications. For example, a five-year study of bisexuals observed a shift from open relationships to sexually monogamous relationships in many participants because they "felt that nonmonogamy was too time consuming, took too much energy, or was too complicated. They also thought that it got in the way of developing love, trust, and more intimate relationships with a partner".[31]:262 Numerous authors have argued that open marriages disrupt relationships by interfering with intimacy and provoking insecurities.[22][38]

Some couples report that open marriage contributed to their divorces. Janus and Janus asked divorced people to list the one primary reason for their divorces.[39] Approximately 1 percent of men and 2 percent of women listed open marriage as the primary reason for their divorce. This seems like a small percentage, but keep in mind that only 1 to 6 percent of the population have open marriages.[22][40] Open marriage is perceived as a primary cause of divorce in a substantial minority of the 1 to 6 percent of people who have open marriages.

The extent to which open marriage actually contributes to divorce remains uncertain. Blumstein and Schwartz note a slightly higher risk of divorce among couples who engage in extramarital sex, even if the couples agree to allow extramarital sex.[41] However, Rubin and Adams did not observe any difference in the risk of divorce for couples in open marriages and couples in sexually monogamous marriages.[24]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Boston Women's Health Book Collective (19 April 2005). Our bodies, ourselves: a new edition for a new era. Simon and Schuster. pp. 165–. ISBN 978-0-7432-5611-7. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  2. ^ Doheny, Kathleen. "The Truth About Open Marriage". Web MD. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Tristan Taormino (1 May 2008). Opening up: a guide to creating and sustaining open relationships. Cleis Press. pp. 13–. ISBN 978-1-57344-295-4. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  4. ^ Gaal, Anna Gyulai (2019-02-21). "The many shades of open love". EXBERLINER.com. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
  5. ^ Bergstrand, Curtis; Blevins Williams, Jennifer (2000-10-10). "Today's Alternative Marriage Styles: The Case of Swingers". Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality. 3. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
  6. ^ "Why Swing?". Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  7. ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/magazine/is-an-open-marriage-a-happier-marriage.html
  8. ^ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/study-reveals-5-benefits-of-an-open-marriage_us_591b204ce4b086d2d0d8d2d7
  9. ^ Balzarini, R. (2017). "Perceptions of primary and secondary relationships in polyamory". PLOS ONE. 12 (5): e0177841. Bibcode:2017PLoSO..1277841B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0177841. PMC 5436896. PMID 28542619.
  10. ^ a b c Leonie Linssen; Stephan Wik (1 August 2010). Love Unlimited: The Joys and Challenges of Open Relationships. Findhorn Press. pp. 11–. ISBN 978-1-84409-183-6. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  11. ^ a b c d Hollander, Elaine K.; Howard M. Vollmer (1 September 1974). "Attitudes Toward "Open Marriage" Among College Students as Influenced by Place of Residence". Youth & Society. 6 (3): 3–21. doi:10.1177/0044118X7400600101. S2CID 149350978.
  12. ^ Duffy, Nick (3 February 2016). "Nearly half of gay men have had an open relationship". PinkNews. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  13. ^ Haggas, Stuart (February 2016). "Open Relationships Uncovered". FS Magazine (152). Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  14. ^ a b c Ramey, James W. (July–August 1977). "The Sexual Bond: Alternative Life Styles". Society. 14 (5): 43–47. doi:10.1007/BF02700827. S2CID 143634246.
  15. ^ Ramey, James W. (October 1975). "Intimate Groups and Networks: Frequent Consequence of Sexually Open Marriage". The Family Coordinator. 24 (4): 515–530. doi:10.2307/583035. JSTOR 583035.
  16. ^ Banfield & McCabe, Sophie, Marita P. (2001). Archives of Sexual Behaviou. Springer.
  17. ^ Blasband & Peplau, D & L.A (1986). "Sexual exclusivity versus openness in gay male couples". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 14 (5): 395–412. doi:10.1007/BF01542001. PMID 4062537. S2CID 20680876.
  18. ^ a b Buunk, Bram (August 1981). "Jealousy in sexually open marriages". Alternative Lifestyles. Springer. 4 (3): 357–372. doi:10.1007/BF01257944. S2CID 198498499.
  19. ^ Beth Bailey (1 Aug 1989). From Front Porch to Back Seat: Courtship in Twentieth-Century America. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-0-80183-935-1.
  20. ^ Hatcher, Robert Anthony; M.D, Anita L. Nelson (2007). Contraceptive Technology. Ardent Media. pp. 297–311. ISBN 9781597080019. Archived from the original on 2017-09-18.
  21. ^ a b Watson, Mary Ann (February 1981). "Sexually Open Marriage: Three Perspectives". Alternative Lifestyles. 4 (1): 3–21. doi:10.1007/BF01082086. S2CID 146973141.
  22. ^ a b c Hunt, Morton M. (1974). Sexual behavior in the 1970s. Chicago, Illinois: Playboy Press.
  23. ^ Rubin, Arline M. (December 1982). "Sexually open versus sexually exclusive marriage: a comparison of dyadic adjustment". Alternative Lifestyles. Springer. 5 (2): 101–108. doi:10.1007/BF01083247. S2CID 144809888.
  24. ^ a b Rubin, Arline M.; Adams, James R. (1986). "Outcomes of sexually open marriages". The Journal of Sex Research. Taylor and Francis. 22 (3): 311–319. doi:10.1080/00224498609551311.
  25. ^ Gilmartin, Brian G. (1978). The Gilmartin report. Citadel Press: Citadel Press. OCLC 4135878.
  26. ^ a b Bergstrand, Curtis; Williams, Jennifer Blevins (October 10, 2000). "Today's alternative marriage styles: the case of swingers". Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality. Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. 3. Retrieved July 26, 2006.
  27. ^ Wolf, Timothy J. (1985). "Men in marriages. Marriages of bisexual men". In Klein, Fred; Wolf, Timothy J. (eds.). Bisexualities: theory and research. New York: Haworth Press. pp. 135–148. ISBN 9780866564236.
  28. ^ Dixon, Dwight (1985). "Perceived sexual satisfaction and marital happiness of bisexual and heterosexual swinging husbands". In Klein, Fred; Wolf, Timothy J. (eds.). Bisexualities: theory and research. New York: Haworth Press. pp. 209–222. ISBN 9780866564236.
  29. ^ Dixon, Joan K. (1985). "Sexuality and relationship changes in married females following the commencement of bisexual activity". In Klein, Fred; Wolf, Timothy J. (eds.). Bisexualities: theory and research. New York: Haworth Press. pp. 115–133. ISBN 9780866564236.
  30. ^ Buunk, Bram (February 1980). "Extramarital sex in the Netherlands: Motivations in social and marital context". Alternative Lifestyles. Springer. 3 (1): 11–39. doi:10.1007/BF01083027. S2CID 140789761.
  31. ^ a b c Weinberg, Martin S.; Williams, Colin J.; Pryor, Douglas W. (1995). Dual attraction: understanding bisexuality. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195098419.
  32. ^ Gates, Jennifer (2001). Survivors of an open marriage. Spokane, Washington: KiwE Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781931195188.
  33. ^ Trost, M. R.; Brown, S.; Morrison, M. (November 1994). Jealousy as an adaptive communication strategy. New Orleans, LA: Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Speech Communication Association.
  34. ^ Pines, Ayala; Aronson, Elliot (March 1983). "Antecedents, correlates, and consequences of sexual jealousy". Journal of Personality. Wiley. 51 (1): 108–136. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1983.tb00857.x.
  35. ^ Buunk, Bram (August 1981). "Jealousy in sexually open marriages". Alternative Lifestyles. Springer. 4 (3): 357–372. doi:10.1007/BF01257944. S2CID 198498499.
  36. ^ Ramey, James W. (October 1975). "Intimate groups and networks: Frequent consequence of sexually open marriage". The Family Coordinator. APA via PsycNET. 24 (4): 515–530. doi:10.2307/583035. JSTOR 583035.
  37. ^ Citations:
    • White, Gregory L.; Mullen, Paul E. (1989). Jealousy: theory, research, and clinical strategies. New York, N.Y: Guilford Press. ISBN 9780898625325.
    • Bryson, Jeff B. (1991). "Modes of response to jealousy-evoking situations". In Salovey, Peter (ed.). The psychology of jealousy and envy. New York: Guilford Press. pp. 1–45. ISBN 9780898625554.
    • Buunk, Bram P. (1991). "Jealousy in close relationships: an exchange-theoretical perspective". In Salovey, Peter (ed.). The psychology of jealousy and envy. New York: Guilford Press. pp. 148–177. ISBN 9780898625554.
    • Guerrero, Laura K.; Andersen, Peter A. (1998). "The dark side of jealousy and envy: desire, delusion, desperation, and destructive communication". In Cupach, William R.; Spitzberg, Brian H. (eds.). The dark side of close relationships. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis. pp. 33–70. ISBN 9781410601117.
    • Hansen, Gary L. (1991). "Jealousy: its conceptualization, measurement, and integration with family stress theory". In Salovey, Peter (ed.). The psychology of jealousy and envy. New York: Guilford Press. pp. 211–230. ISBN 9780898625554.
    • Schaap, Cas; Buunk, Bram; Kerkstra, Ada (1988). "Marital conflict resolution". In Noller, Patricia; Fitzpatrick, Mary Anne (eds.). Perspectives on marital interaction. Clevedon, Avon, England: Multilingual Matters. pp. 203–244. ISBN 9780585175928.
  38. ^ Other citations:
  39. ^ Janus, Sam S.; Janus, Cynthia L. (1993). The Janus report on sexual behavior. New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9780471525400.
  40. ^ Other citations:
  41. ^ Blumstein, Philip; Schwartz, Pepper (1985). American couples: money, work, sex. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company. ISBN 9780671523534.

Further reading[edit]

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