(One of the biggest known couples that are in an open relationship/marriage are Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith)
My partner and I have shared in the experiences of having an open relationship. Although it's not always on-going but in the interval times when is it, we have come to enjoy it respectively. A few months ago I picked up an issue of Now and read an article where it stated that 1/3 of couples in Toronto are in an open relationship. Mind you Toronto have a population of 3 million-so 1 million are in an open relationship. Now an open relationship is not a free for all kind of deal. Couples that do decide to do this have to be very trusting with one another and very comfortable with the idea. Now to have a successful open relationship here are a list of Do's and Don't's that were published online by YourTango.com:
1. HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY.
This is quite possibly the most important of all our rules. It's the only rule you really do need to keep in mind at all times, and what it means is this: Don't lie. Have open, honest conversations with your partner about anything that gives you a feeling of unease. Tell your primary partner the things you are most afraid to tell him. Because if he/she can't respect the thoughts that take place in your mind—no matter how odd or socially deviant they may seem—there's no chance he'll be able to understand or tolerate your wayward sexual behavior. And that's to say nothing of the fact that you shouldn't stay with someone who laughs at your fantasies, sexual or otherwise.
2. TALK ABOUT IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS.
This isn't a rule for every open couple, but it does work really well. The idea is that if one is planning a date, they don't keep that information secret. Talk about it first, preferably long before it actually happens. The idea is to keep jealousy at bay. And of course, the more personal details you learn about your partner's one-night-stand, the more you realize how similar that person probably is to everyone else—even you. Then again, sometimes this rule is impractical. Assuming you meet someone in a bar, and then choose to go home with them that same night, it would probably be inadvisable to send your girl/boyfriend the details via text message. TALK to your partner and see if she/he is comfortable with it first and then negotiate any details.
3. IT'S ALWAYS BEST WHEN EVERYONE MEETS EACH OTHER.
The general idea is to keep things friendly, and to keep everyone in the loop about who's doing what with whom, and why. And there's a hidden benefit: When three sexually progressive people drink beer together, sparks can occasionally fly in unexpected directions, if you know what I mean.
4. ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFE SEX.
Any man who has ever had a steady girlfriend can name at least one benefit to staying monogamous: condom-free sex. But if you're planning on sharing the love, it's your responsibility—and a very important one at that—to insure the sexual health of your primary partner. For men and women both, this means keeping a fresh supply of condoms on hand. And what if you slip up, and "accidentally" slip it in without first slipping it on? Fess up to all other partners immediately—or at least prior to sleeping with each other next.
