open marriage
Permitted outside partners
An open marriage is a marriage in which both spouses agree that each may have sexual relationships with other people.
The arrangement presumes honesty and mutual consent, distinguishing it from infidelity: They've been in an open marriage for years.
The term extends to other committed relationships: open relationship.
Consensual multiple romantic relationships
- non-monogamyHaving multiple romantic partners
- swingingMoving in arcs
- partnersJoint venture participants
- datingPursuing romantic connections
intimacy · romance · connection · commitment · love · affection · lifestyle · primary partner
Truthfulness, sincerity
- transparencyState of being see-through
- boundariesLines marking separation
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- consentVoluntary agreement given
dialogue · discussion · disclosure · check-ins · agreements · rules · understanding · empathy
Cultural or social prohibition
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- criticismJudgment of faults
morality · infidelity · scandal · adultery · disapproval · societal norms · monogamy · conservatism
Faithful commitment to another
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- reliabilityConsistent, predictable performance
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- respectRegard with honor
security · faithfulness · sincerity · support · devotion · confidentiality · accountability · reassurance
Independent decision-making capacity
- choiceAct of selecting
- independenceFreedom from external control
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
experimentation · self-expression · liberation · individuality · empowerment · agency · sexual freedom · personal growth
polyamory
Consensual multiple romantic relationships
- non-monogamyHaving multiple romantic partners
- swingingMoving in arcs
- partnersJoint venture participants
dating · intimacy · romance · connection · commitment · love · affection · lifestyle · primary partner · triad
honesty
Truthfulness, sincerity
- transparencyState of being see-through
- boundariesLines marking separation
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
consent · dialogue · discussion · disclosure · check-ins · agreements · rules · understanding · empathy · active listening
taboo
Cultural or social prohibition
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
criticism · morality · infidelity · scandal · adultery · disapproval · societal norms · monogamy · conservatism · unconventional
loyalty
Faithful commitment to another
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- reliabilityConsistent, predictable performance
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
respect · security · faithfulness · sincerity · support · devotion · confidentiality · accountability · reassurance · consistency
autonomy
Independent decision-making capacity
- choiceAct of selecting
- independenceFreedom from external control
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
exploration · experimentation · self-expression · liberation · individuality · empowerment · agency · sexual freedom · personal growth · self-discovery
- marriagebride, groom, wedding, husband, wife
- life choicescareer change, career choice, college choice, family planning, childfree
- relationship beliefsmonogamy, polyamory, soulmate, true love, fidelity
- sexual ethicssexual morality, sexual ethics, chastity, adultery, human sexuality
- taboostaboo, incest, cannibalism, bestiality, necrophilia
- alternative lifestylesintentional community, communal living, off-grid, homesteading, van life