What do you think about open marriages?

Hey if it works, it works...

Open marriages is a benefit for men and the women LET them do that in order to not get hurt. Most men cheat. It's a fact like some predisosed gene orders them too. Any woman who falls into that pit are trying to be realistic especially in today's society and if he's out there not honoring HIS vows and she's sitting home being faithful then she's the fool so she gets in on it. It won't last though. Something always happens that will cause a problem and the marriage will end. Usually it's the woman who gets fed up first but the man might not like that handsome fella pawing his wife and that male pride kicks in and things start to fall apart. It's a time game.

I'm happy with keeping mine closed.... but to each his own, whatever makes you happy as a couple
:D

To each their own. I like being cherished. So I wouldn't be with someone who didn't.

I think "to each their own"; I have fully supported friends that were into that (and even utilized the wife in one); but honestly, I think there are really very few marriages and people that are mature enough to actually be successful in the idea of an open marriage.

I think it's a very good thing. I've never really understood the idea of only having sex with one person for life. Unfortunatly I don't think most people are capable of having one the popular morals and ideas about sex are too embeded in people's minds, also it seems most people are insecure and jelouse and so won't be able to handle this type of relationship. I think it's mch healthier than people sneaking around sleeping with others behind their partner's backs. I personally have no problems with an open marriage and much prefer it to tradional ones.

I agree with gerrynchappster...I mean, what's the point?

I think it's fine if both parties really want it and can handle it.

I thought open marriages had died with disco...good riddance to both!

If a couple chooses to have an open marriage, that is their choice, and I believe right....

Saying that, marriage is difficult enough without bring the possible, if not inevitable, emotional and physical connection to a 3rd party. Marriage is designed to bring two people together as one, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually also. If someone goes into this type of arrangement, I believe they need to do so with open eyes, realizing that when/if things go bad, that is part of the bargain.......personally, I could never share my wife with another person, it would eat me up inside.....

to be honest, i think that people who are in open marriages or who are "polyamorous" either are looking to get one over on their spouses or significant others OR they have really low self esteem and therefore they don't think they deserve someone who is faithful to them. i realize that i have been less than faithful to my current partner but i also realize that it was wrong and if he ever found out he would have every reason to leave me and i wouldn't blame him.

This is an oxymoron to me. What's the point of a commitment if you are not committed? If you can't be faithful than don't get married - no one is twisting one's arm are they?

I think it's wrong...and it's a recipe for disaster.

I think they're a joke; a ludicrous vestige from an age when thwarting traditional values was the the most cherished goal.

I'd love to give it a try. I'm sure it would have its own complications, but I think the little jealousies and such could be managed if the two spouses made up their minds.

Marriage is a sacred institution to maintain the decent continuity of the human race, based on the voluntary consent of a man and a woman.
All outdated traditions should be annihilated and civilized rules will take place to preserve the happy monogamy. All details should be freely discussed and agreed by those two mature individuals.

Very damaging for most people. A couple attempted to seduce me and an ex years ago, my ex participated and the female of the couple left scratches on his back to prove she had been there. It seemed like an act of hatred towards me.

Personally I think it's a insult to concept of marriage.

Open marriage does not mean going out with other people, it actually means both partners keep their own individuality and neither person is dominate or submissive, both are equal, and should allow each other to be who they are without trying to change them. They are open to each others needs, but are not co-dependent.The term eventually evolved into cupples dating other people but remaining married in order to save the family, to keep from having to divorce,. The main killer of the concept is that people in general are jealous by nature.