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My acting teacher when I lived in NYC, a very famous actress, had an open marriage. I always thought, why bother being married, but it seemed to suit her and her husband well. As far as I know they are still married.

Could I live within an open marriage...probably not. If it works for someone and they are both Ok with it - I guess it is up to them.

If both parties are in agreement, it is not "cheating" -- because one is not betraying the other's trust. It's an open arrangement where fidelity isn't a condition. Some couples regularly invite a third party while others look to swap mates with other couples, "swingers."

Different strokes for different folks sure applies to these situations. Pun intended. To me it seems making sex more a sport than the sublimely intimate, even transcendental act it can be between two loving, committed partners. Ideally it is a communion of more than just the bodies, but can be so much more, so much deeper than one can hope for in a casual encounter.

But that's another subject.

Nope and if the two people involved don't think it's cheating then that's all that matters.

I don't think I could do it but there have been alot of things I was brought up to believe was wrong and somehow I have seen good things come of them..who to say if it is cheating, what are they ceating except maybe themselves of a deeper relationship just trying to make their relationship better instead of running off to find excitement or outside stimulation..just my thoughts...

Wouldn't an open marriage be running off to find excitement or outside stimulation? I think it is, but I don't think it is cheating since both are involved and agree to it.

Its not cheating if both parties are agreeing to it, but I cant see myself going outside a relationship for sex. And most open marriages is for the sex, not emotional support. Most open marriages work because it has nothing to do with the love you have for your spouse or S/O. Once love gets involved then it turns into an affair... and thats another post.

Not for me.......if I'm married or just living with someone....that is the person I'm commited to.....if he wants an open marriage or whatever then he doesn't need me around to do his laundry and cook for him.

I figure people get married for sex, love, or money. Sometimes they dont' find all three in the same place. I couldnt' justify me ever being in an open marriage but I make no judgements of others.

Over the years I've known several couples who have tried the "Open" arrangement - - in the long haul, it never worked out well. It seems that no one has great self esteem 100% of the time, and when the hubby or wife is spending more time with the OTHER person - it gets weird, and the thoughts start - like why is he spending hours with HER, and 10 minutes with me - - and so it goes - - That couple is divorced - - or the swingers that pair off swapping partners - - - no one wants to be the first ones back to the living room - - because the questions start - - What the heck are they doing, and what is lacking in me?? And so it goes . . . For me . . . I always felt that sexual intimacy was the ultimate way for ME to be ABLE to express my love to my husband (or whomever) - - and if I had sex with random people, it would become . . . . . random and commonplace - - and there'd I be - - searching for another way to express myself . . . and frankly doing dishes, laundry, handing over a paycheck, just doesn't express love (in my eyes), it might express appreciation - but not a spiritual or soulful love. I was fortunate to have known my soul mate, my lover, and ultimate partner (all the same person : ) - - - but I wonder, if I had given in to more "open" behaviors years ago, would I have been able to experience that kind of wonderful relationship. NOT TO MENTION - - that line - - the one that needs to be crossed to stimulate sexual excitement - - - THAT LINE MOVES - - - in one direction - toward the darker side. Just my opinion.

To me, it's both parties cheating.