Open Relationships?

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Replies

  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    I can get on board with the fact you can be committed to a relationship with or without marriage. I can even say if you or Sue or Joe want to have an open marriage that's your business.... but... to me it doesn't make sense (nothing to do with commitment here) because marriage was created to join two people together for the duration of their lives.

    Like it or don't that was it's purpose so my thinking is if you can be just as committed in an open relationship and just as committed without being married why not do that rather than muddy what marriage means?

    I guess my thinking is it's being married without being married. To me its like getting baptized in a Christian church when you believe in multiple Gods.... What's the point? (I don't want to talk about religion but that's the closest thing I can think of). I don't care if someone else does it but it doesn't make sense to me.

    Marriage wasn't created to join two people for the rest of their lives. Nor was marriage created with love in mind. Marriage was a business transaction and a way of owning another person. The notions around when the concept of marriage was created bear no real relevence to society or marriage now.

    Hear hear. As far as I know, to actually get married (in the states) you have to sign a piece of paper that says that you're gonna be married and they send you back a piece of paper that says you're married. There's no god mentioned on the marriage license/certificate.

    When the government gets out of the marriage business and stops offering over 1000 benefits and incentives to married couples that people considered legally single do not recieve, then maybe there's some ground to stand on about the "muddying of what marriage means".

    I'm not sure why you're bringing up god in reference to the marriage certificate. I did not mention God in reference to marriage.

    You said it was created to join people together for the rest of their lives. That was originally a Christian view. Pre-Christ - marriage was almost entirely based on polygamy and a man could let his wives and concubines go at any time he wanted. Even in the old testament. What you stated is a christian view that later spread.

    Marriage wasnt created for that reason.

    Marriage has thousands of years of history as a financial gains, business merger, supply an heir, create a brood, status uplifting operation.

    It wasnt a declaration of love.
    It wasnt a public account of a union.

    Not until much much later when christians got hold of it. I believe that they made it much better. but their version of marriage is what They created it for, not what it was actually created for.

    Christians didn't invent monogamy, nor did Jews.

    I didnt say anything about monogamy. I talked about polygamy -- but only as historical reference because you said marriage was created to join TWO people together. said nothing about monogamy.

    join two people together = monogamy

    You said :
    " You said it was created to join people together for the rest of their lives. That was originally a Christian view."

    No it wasn't. The Christians were not the 1st or even the 2nd ones to hold it.

    i didnt say TWO people crazy lady.

    Im done defending my life to you.

    you want to hate me and doom me pain and suffering, then enjoy and savor the hatred.

    im going to go exercise and be healthy and happy and feel the sun on my face.

    To me that feels more healthy than sitting in front of a computer ramming my standards down others' mouths, but im sure you would tell me Im wrong about that for a long list of subjective reasons.

    Enjoy it.

    Savor and roll around in your self-righteousness.
  • magj0y
    magj0y Posts: 1,911 Member
    ou're bringing up god in reference to the marriage certificate. I did not mention God in reference to marriage.

    You said it was created to join people together for the rest of their lives. That was originally a Christian view. Pre-Christ - marriage was almost entirely based on polygamy and a man could let his wives and concubines go at any time he wanted. Even in the old testament. What you stated is a christian view that later spread.

    Marriage wasnt created for that reason.

    Marriage has thousands of years of history as a financial gains, business merger, supply an heir, create a brood, status uplifting operation.

    It wasnt a declaration of love.
    It wasnt a public account of a union.

    Not until much much later when christians got hold of it. I believe that they made it much better. but their version of marriage is what They created it for, not what it was actually created for.
    [/quote]

    I think it was only in the last few centuries was marriage more about love and less about getting ahead or even just staying afloat. People would get married young, live in their own house simply because their original families were large, no room in the house or money in the pocket to feed everyone. If you look at European royalty during the crusades, they didn't marry for love. It was all arranged, sometimes at birth. Sometimes for the mutual benefits of 2 families, sometimes it was to make allies of other countries. Can you imagine being a young teen, sent off to another country with foreign customs and languages? yeah, kinda sucky.

    In rural areas, you married the most compatible person in the area. There was no going off to college and meeting new people! You stayed near the homestead, worked on the farm in the fam. business. and did with the parents told you to do. Lets look at a small town of 500 ppl. there is no leaving, what are you going to do? be a sexless spinster or pick up with the person you're most compatible with? Some lucked out, many did not. But you did what society expected of you. Unless you lived in a very populated area, you didn't have many choices. and when you did, depending on your social status, even that didn't matter.
  • shelbyfrootcake
    shelbyfrootcake Posts: 965 Member
    Yes marriage was created to join two people as long as they both lived. Was for breeding purposes? Maybe, maybe not it certainly became that way but either way it wasn't created with multiple partners in mind.

    If marriage can mean whatever we want it to mean then what is the point of having marriages? I mean really....what is the point?

    It doesn't have to be tow people
    You can be just as committed without it

    So what is the purpose?

    Marriage is just legal nonsense really. Everything else that does with it is down to the individual couples.

    Marriage is its oldest recorded forms allowed polygamy, so to me it was not a creation for just two people to enter into.
  • A_Shannigans
    A_Shannigans Posts: 170 Member
    I can get on board with the fact you can be committed to a relationship with or without marriage. I can even say if you or Sue or Joe want to have an open marriage that's your business.... but... to me it doesn't make sense (nothing to do with commitment here) because marriage was created to join two people together for the duration of their lives.

    Like it or don't that was it's purpose so my thinking is if you can be just as committed in an open relationship and just as committed without being married why not do that rather than muddy what marriage means?

    I guess my thinking is it's being married without being married. To me its like getting baptized in a Christian church when you believe in multiple Gods.... What's the point? (I don't want to talk about religion but that's the closest thing I can think of). I don't care if someone else does it but it doesn't make sense to me.

    Marriage wasn't created to join two people for the rest of their lives. Nor was marriage created with love in mind. Marriage was a business transaction and a way of owning another person. The notions around when the concept of marriage was created bear no real relevence to society or marriage now.

    Hear hear. As far as I know, to actually get married (in the states) you have to sign a piece of paper that says that you're gonna be married and they send you back a piece of paper that says you're married. There's no god mentioned on the marriage license/certificate.

    When the government gets out of the marriage business and stops offering over 1000 benefits and incentives to married couples that people considered legally single do not recieve, then maybe there's some ground to stand on about the "muddying of what marriage means".

    I'm not sure why you're bringing up god in reference to the marriage certificate. I did not mention God in reference to marriage.

    You said it was created to join people together for the rest of their lives. That was originally a Christian view. [/b} Pre-Christ - marriage was almost entirely based on polygamy and a man could let his wives and concubines go at any time he wanted. Even in the old testament. What you stated is a christian view that later spread.

    Marriage wasnt created for that reason.

    Marriage has thousands of years of history as a financial gains, business merger, supply an heir, create a brood, status uplifting operation.

    It wasnt a declaration of love.
    It wasnt a public account of a union.

    Not until much much later when christians got hold of it. I believe that they made it much better. but their version of marriage is what They created it for, not what it was actually created for.

    Christians didn't invent monogamy, nor did Jews.

    I didnt say anything about monogamy. I talked about polygamy -- but only as historical reference because you said marriage was created to join TWO people together. said nothing about monogamy.

    join two people together = monogamy

    You said :
    " You said it was created to join people together for the rest of their lives. That was originally a Christian view."

    No it wasn't. The Christians were not the 1st or even the 2nd ones to hold it.

    i didnt say TWO people crazy lady.

    Read the 1st line of the bolded text. I am telling you THAT line is incorrect. the idea did NOT for the 3rd time originate with Christians.
  • krissyliz78
    krissyliz78 Posts: 181 Member
    NOPE!!! Im a jealous girl!! I would have to knock a B out!!
  • shelbyfrootcake
    shelbyfrootcake Posts: 965 Member
    I'm going blind from all the blue quote space. Is the a forum quote version of snow blindness?
  • shelbyfrootcake
    shelbyfrootcake Posts: 965 Member
    NOPE!!! Im a jealous girl!! I would have to knock a B out!!

    I'm in no way judging or criticising, but doesn't that jealousy bother you? Why are you jealous?
  • jiddu17
    jiddu17 Posts: 187 Member
    :yawn:
  • ilikepandasyay
    ilikepandasyay Posts: 96 Member
    Yes marriage was created to join two people as long as they both lived. Was for breeding purposes? Maybe, maybe not it certainly became that way but either way it wasn't created with multiple partners in mind.

    If marriage can mean whatever we want it to mean then what is the point of having marriages? I mean really....what is the point?

    It doesn't have to be tow people
    You can be just as committed without it

    So what is the purpose?

    Marriage is just legal nonsense really. Everything else that does with it is down to the individual couples.

    Marriage is its oldest recorded forms allowed polygamy, so to me it was not a creation for just two people to enter into.

    Which is why, nearly ALL benefits of the business transaction of marriage, have been made allowable to those who ARE NOT married. Except for health insurance, you can create any number of documents to stand in lieu of being married. Further, even if you ARE married, the documents, if done properly, can actually TRUMP the rights of and benefits to the spouse. Even being married, there are some documents that STILL have to "approved" by a judge (NOT a clergymen), if planning has not properly taken place. In many states, if your husband owns property alone, you, as the wife, do NOT automatically own it. You need a judge to approve it. You have to ASK a judge if you can have it. You have to PROVE you are the heir to that property.

    Incorrect. There are over 1000 federal benefits available to married couples that are not easily avalable to non married and in many instances not available at all to non married couples.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    just curious, swinging isn't for everyone I hate the term but I do love my husband, but sex is just sex, just curious if anyone has been doing it and had it work for a while?

    If *you* think sex is just sex, then it is to you. But that's not how it is for everyone. Anyone involved in something like this could start to develop feelings. It sounds messy for a lot of people, but some couples do it successfully.

    Anyway, I have NOT been in one, so this is second information from me.
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    I wouldn't say we had an "open" relationship. But we do bring people into the mix. As long as the other person is there, we're both comfortable, and have decided on a person to bring in together, then we're all good.
  • spade117
    spade117 Posts: 2,466 Member

    I agree completely. If and when I am feeling jealous, I can talk to my husband about it. He ALWAYS offers to stop whatever (or whomever lol) is causing my jealousy, but for the most part, I think jealousy is MY issue to deal with. Stemming from MY insecurities. It helps me to talk it out with him. I think we can communicate more openly and effectively now than we did before we went open.

    ^ Smart lady.
  • magj0y
    magj0y Posts: 1,911 Member

    My particular comment has more to do with with what I recall of OP's situation. So my apologies if judgement was seen.
    personally, an open relationship wouldn't and isn't for me. But if it is for somebody else, that's just dandy. I'd want to be sure it was for the right reasons. That it was something that would work for both parties, not a bandaid on a failing relationship.
    Then again I suppose that wouldn't be my business either.

    And also, I support homosexual marriages, and their rights in general. (and adoption) 100%

    ** also the "unsanitary" thing was kind of a joke, just my sense of humor.

    "I honestly think if you'd consider this, something would be inherently wrong with the relationship." sounds pretty judgmental.
    So you totally support one type of consensual relationship, but not another. Is it the monogamy thing? If it's consensual and isn't hurting *you* how can it be a bad thing?

    **Sorry I didn't get your humor, sometimes text doesn't come across the same as verbally saying something. I will say, I have also met some condescending awful swingers. the resort I vacation at every year is popular with swingers. It's a hit and miss, just like the general population. Some pretty damned funny stories, though. We see many of the same couples every year, as well as the people who happen to visit at the same time.
  • shelbyfrootcake
    shelbyfrootcake Posts: 965 Member

    I agree completely. If and when I am feeling jealous, I can talk to my husband about it. He ALWAYS offers to stop whatever (or whomever lol) is causing my jealousy, but for the most part, I think jealousy is MY issue to deal with. Stemming from MY insecurities. It helps me to talk it out with him. I think we can communicate more openly and effectively now than we did before we went open.

    This. This completely.
  • tmauck4472
    tmauck4472 Posts: 1,785 Member
    IMO sex is just NOT sex. I could never have sex with anyone that I didn't love or at least care about. But if you think it's what you want to do then go for it. I do agree it's cheating with permission. And what happens when he finds out he likes someone more than you because the sex is better? or even you for that matter.
  • krissyliz78
    krissyliz78 Posts: 181 Member
    NOPE!!! Im a jealous girl!! I would have to knock a B out!!

    I'm in no way judging or criticising, but doesn't that jealousy bother you? Why are you jealous?

    Maybe jelous wasnt the right word. I dont like to share.
  • Owlie45
    Owlie45 Posts: 806 Member
    If it works for them. However, in my opinion people like that are weak. You either are committed 100% or you not.

    Agreed.
  • ilikepandasyay
    ilikepandasyay Posts: 96 Member
    IMO sex is just NOT sex. I could never have sex with anyone that I didn't love or at least care about. But if you think it's what you want to do then go for it. I do agree it's cheating with permission. And what happens when he finds out he likes someone more than you because the sex is better? or even you for that matter.

    I like to believe that the life we've commited to building together is more important than him "liking" someone more. Just because we aren't mono doesn't mean we don't take our commitments seriously. If it turned out that he wanted to be with her more, why would I want to stop the person I love from being happy? Would it hurt? **** yes, it would suck so bad, but he coudl find someone he "liked better" even if we were mono.
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    NOPE!!! Im a jealous girl!! I would have to knock a B out!!

    I'm in no way judging or criticising, but doesn't that jealousy bother you? Why are you jealous?

    Maybe jelous wasnt the right word. I dont like to share.
    Um yeah, that was the right word.
  • FuneralDiner
    FuneralDiner Posts: 438 Member
    NOPE!!! Im a jealous girl!! I would have to knock a B out!!
    This.

    If you can make an open relationship work for you though, I'm sure it can be very fun.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    IMO sex is just NOT sex. I could never have sex with anyone that I didn't love or at least care about. But if you think it's what you want to do then go for it. I do agree it's cheating with permission. And what happens when he finds out he likes someone more than you because the sex is better? or even you for that matter.

    That last sentence completely contradicted your entire statement. That right there says sex is just sex. If, as you say at the beginning of your statement, you could never have sex with anyone that you didn't love or care about why would it matter if the sex with someone else is mind blowing and more awesome than anything you've ever had? If sex isn't just sex then it shouldn't matter how good it is with someone else because it's you they care about and want to be with.

    And for the record sex is just sex. It's a feeling. There doesn't have to be any other emotions involved aside from being incredibly turned on by someone you find attractive.

    And it's NOT cheating with permission because cheating involves going behind someone's back and starting a relationship with someone else. This is just f*cking the crap out of another person with the consent and participation of your SO.
  • sparkle1908
    sparkle1908 Posts: 16 Member
    Like everything else that goes on in other people's bedroom, you can do whatever you want...I just don't need to know about it...I'm not in an open relationship but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be open to one later...I would just keep my business to myself (and my mate)...no one needs to know...when you ask opinions, you invite folks into something that they should be kept out of...that's all
  • Faye_Anderson
    Faye_Anderson Posts: 1,495 Member
    I can't see the point in being married if you're both going to be sleeping around, but that's just my opinion
  • jiddu17
    jiddu17 Posts: 187 Member
    :flowerforyou:
  • cindyhoney2
    cindyhoney2 Posts: 603 Member
    I guess open relationships have never really made sense to me. it's like cheating with permission :noway:

    This. I know someone that is married and has an open relationship. They recently separated. It doesn't work, try something else. I've been with my husband for 20 years and if we can spice up our sex life w/o other individuals so can you.
  • gabeej
    gabeej Posts: 45
    I have one, it works really well for us. There are obviously specific challenges that come along with it, but to give you an indicator of how we operate, my significant other and I have been together 5 years, and we've had 3 actual arguments.

    HONESTY

    LOVE

    RESPECT

    SELF CARE

    by self care, I mean, you have to deal with your own stuff, you can't put jealousy on your significant other, if it comes out of your insecurities. Basically, you have to deal with your own stuff.

    Different things work for different relationships. No 2 relationships are the same. Find what works, and surround yourself in love. It'll come together naturally.
  • StormyGal8
    StormyGal8 Posts: 184 Member
    I like to believe that the life we've commited to building together is more important than him "liking" someone more. Just because we aren't mono doesn't mean we don't take our commitments seriously. If it turned out that he wanted to be with her more, why would I want to stop the person I love from being happy? Would it hurt? **** yes, it would suck so bad, but he coudl find someone he "liked better" even if we were mono.


    THIS!!

    My husband is not more likely to leave me, just because he can sleep with other people! If he stops loving me, and falls for someone else, that's going to happen regardless of an open/closed relationship status! Really, how many monogamous married couples have broken up due to 1 spouse falling for another person? To claim it's more likely to happen because we are open is just ludicrous!
  • ilikepandasyay
    ilikepandasyay Posts: 96 Member
    I guess open relationships have never really made sense to me. it's like cheating with permission :noway:

    This. I know someone that is married and has an open relationship. They recently separated. It doesn't work, try something else. I've been with my husband for 20 years and if we can spice up our sex life w/o other individuals so can you.

    I'm pretty sure in instances where this happens, it wasn't just the open relationship messing things up. If it were no one would split up, fixing it would be as simple as going back to monogamy and living happily ever after.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I guess open relationships have never really made sense to me. it's like cheating with permission :noway:

    This. I know someone that is married and has an open relationship. They recently separated. It doesn't work, try something else. I've been with my husband for 20 years and if we can spice up our sex life w/o other individuals so can you.

    That's just an instance where it didn't work. You don't know what was going on behind closed doors that made it not work. It might have had nothing to do with the open relationship. Even if your friend told you it was because of the open relationship that's her view on it. There's three sides to every story: yours, mine and the truth. Yes, it might not work for some people but there are also other reasons why things don't work. Reasons you're not aware of.
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    I guess open relationships have never really made sense to me. it's like cheating with permission :noway:

    This. I know someone that is married and has an open relationship. They recently separated. It doesn't work, try something else. I've been with my husband for 20 years and if we can spice up our sex life w/o other individuals so can you.
    I know someone who was monogamous and they got a divorce. That proves monogamy doesn't work?