I think it will only work if rules are laid out first as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in the open marriage.

There's a wide amount of leeway in the definition of open marriage. Is extramarital intercourse allowed? Is only oral sex allowed? Are sexual relations allowed without spouse present? Are sexual relations only allowed when spouse is present? Must extramarital partner submit to a blood test prior to relations? Must a condom be used at all times in extramarital intercourse?

I imagine the most difficult thing about an open marriage is just breaking the ice about the subject. How does one let their spouse know they might be interested in an open marriage without offending them if they are not to keen on the whole idea?

Bottom line is, if both people accept it, and agree to play by the rules, it works just fine. But as PDM said, the majority wouldn't go for it because they are either to emotionally connected to their spouse on a physical level, to jealous to accept another person in the mix which is perfectly natural, or just won't follow the set rules and end up ruining the marriage because they took the open marriage to far.

Last edited by starfire; 07/07/10 03:24 AM.