open marriages
Consensual nonmonogamous unions
An open marriage is a marital arrangement in which both spouses agree that each may have sexual or romantic relationships with other people.
The term emphasizes mutual consent and transparency, distinguishing it from infidelity.
Couples in open marriages typically establish rules about disclosure, boundaries, and emotional commitments.
They've been in an open marriage for years and say it works for them.
The practice falls under the broader category of ethical non-monogamy.
Cultural or social prohibition
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- nontraditionalDeparting from established norms
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- progressiveFavoring reform and innovation
alternative lifestyle · societal norms · acceptance · judgment · conservative · liberal · visibility · coming out
Exchanging ideas or information
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- boundariesLines marking separation
- transparencyState of being see-through
- consentVoluntary agreement given
agreements · honesty · trust · disclosure · check-ins · scheduling · primary partner · hierarchy
Multiple concurrent romantic partners
- polyamoryConsensual multiple romantic relationships
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- liberationRelease from constraint
- freedomAbsence of constraint
self-expression · individuality · relationship anarchy · choice · empowerment · exploration · authenticity · fulfillment
Resentful desire for another's advantages
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- possessivenessExcessive attachment to ownership
- envyResentful longing for another's
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
anxiety · fear · betrayal · distrust · comparison · inadequacy · conflict · tension
taboo
Cultural or social prohibition
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- nontraditionalDeparting from established norms
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
progressive · alternative lifestyle · societal norms · acceptance · judgment · conservative · liberal · visibility · coming out · discretion
communication
Exchanging ideas or information
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- boundariesLines marking separation
- transparencyState of being see-through
consent · agreements · honesty · trust · disclosure · check-ins · scheduling · primary partner · hierarchy · rules
nonmonogamy
Multiple concurrent romantic partners
- polyamoryConsensual multiple romantic relationships
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- liberationRelease from constraint
freedom · self-expression · individuality · relationship anarchy · choice · empowerment · exploration · authenticity · fulfillment · personal growth
jealousy
Resentful desire for another's advantages
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- possessivenessExcessive attachment to ownership
- envyResentful longing for another's
resentment · anxiety · fear · betrayal · distrust · comparison · inadequacy · conflict · tension · vulnerability
open marriagesaffairs
Matters requiring attention
infidelity · cheating · adultery · extramarital affairs · unfaithfulness
open, marriage, opened, opening, opens, opener, openers, openness, openly