Are Open Marriages More Successful Than Traditional Couplings?

by generaldecay | August 19, 2007 at 10:57 am

1172 views | 0 Recommendations | 7 comments

I'm not sure what to make of this question - can marriages survive spouses sleeping with other people? I'm very partial to the notion of monogamy because I think that people don't take their commitments to each other seriously enough. So many friends of mine cheat on their partners without giving it a second thought and this really disturbs me. I'm rather of the opinion that one shouldn't enter into a commitment if they're not going to commit to it entirely. There are no half measures.

However (and this is where I'm torn), if both parties agree that they want to open their relationship up for whatever reason, perhaps it could work. It's all about the setting of boundaries that both parties can agree to. Or is it?

I think it's a really interesting sociological question that is around the widening of sexual attitudes and the loosening of traditional values.

To many, "open marriage" is a phrase so laden with 1970s nostalgia that the idea can't be considered without imagining its practitioners leering at each other across shag-carpeted conversation pits, their chest hair spilling out of maroon polyester leisure suits.

While many of today's adherents are aging swingers from the old school, a new generation -- well organized and committed to legitimizing a lifestyle -- continues to push traditional notions of marital fidelity by having sex with people other than their spouses.

But do marriages -- fragile institutions traditionally built on the fidelity and sexual intimacy of two people -- work when the doors of the bedroom are thrown wide open?

Question: If someone could tell me why over 60 pictures of cake have been 'attached' to this piece, I would appreciate it. Thanks. :)

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Victoria Revay

at 11:07 on August 19th, 2007

Another interesting post Generaldecay. I think what would help the reader a bit more is if you could add a small summary of what yu tsake away from the article and then also add the highlight for a source. Thanks!

generaldecay

at 11:53 on August 19th, 2007

Thanks Victoria. Could you tell me what you mean by adding the highlight for a source?

generaldecay

at 12:04 on August 19th, 2007

Ah, I think I understand now.

Thanks again. :)

Victoria Revay

at 16:26 on August 19th, 2007

I just saw the comment, but looks like you have it figured out. You can email me if you have more questions. vrevay@nowpublic.com, great articles btw!

generaldecay

at 23:34 on August 19th, 2007

I think I have. Thanks again Victoria. :)

fyngyrz

at 04:21 on August 20th, 2007

I am fond of monogamy myself, but I think it is very important that society gets over the trend of telling its members what kinds of relationships are "OK."

Polygamy, polyandry, open, traditional monogamous, casual, celibacy, same-sex - as long as the participants are all informed, consenting, sexually mature, and aren't creating unwanted children, I really think we need to butt out.

One thing I am certain of, and that is that traditional marriage is not without problems every bit as serious as any other form.

generaldecay

at 04:31 on August 20th, 2007

I think you make a very good point here, fyngyrz. It has to be about communication and honesty. And, seeing as society has ostensibly promoted the notion of monogamy=best, I don't think it's in a great position to dictate given what you've said! ;)