Open Relationship

  Open Relationships

Open Relationships
An open relationship is a type of
consensually non-monogamous relationship in which one or more partners have sex
or relationships with other people. Both people agree to have sex with other
people in an open relationship but may have certain conditions or limitations.

Open relationships can take place in any
type of romantic relationship, whether casual, dating, or married. 

There tends to be a stigma surrounding
non-monogamous relationships. Still, research suggests that around 21% to 22%
of adults will be involved in some type of open relationship at some point in
their life.
The likelihood of engaging in an open
relationship also depends on gender and sexual orientation. Men reported having
higher numbers of open relationships compared to women; people who identify as
gay, lesbian, and bisexual relative to those who identify as heterosexual were
more likely to report previous engagement in open relationships.
Such relationships can have benefits
including increased sexual freedom and pitfalls such as jealousy and emotional
pain. Open relationships are more successful when couples establish personal,
emotional, and sexual boundaries and 
clearly communicate their feelings and
needs with one another.
Open relationships are a form of consensual
non-monogamy. While there is a primary emotional and often physical connection
between the two people in the relationship, they mutually agree to intimacy
with other people outside of the relationship.