I often wonder what ideas and thoughts come to mind when someone hears the words “open relationship.”

I’ve asked around, casually, and I have heard a spectrum of replies.

There have been judgmental statements, such as: “clearly they aren’t happy,” and “why would anyone do that, it’s disgusting and that’s not what marriage is.”

I’ve also heard more curious responses, like, “good for them, I wish I could do that” and “what exactly does that mean?”

With the confusion and judgments circling the standard world of monogamy versus non-monogamy, I decided to do some research, talk to others and bring in my own experience, so that it can be talked about more mainstream, with a deeper understanding.

Ultimately, every couple gets to make their own choice about what fits for them, and it never hurts to explore those boundaries.