I Do, Do I?

In this era of Instagram and a very little gap between people and the internet, there is a new concept where monogamy sounds very cliche. Married couples after a while decide to indulge into one foot here and one foot there kind of a system. Yes we are talking about something recently termed (READ PRACTISED SINCES AGES but CHUPKE CHUPKE) called OPEN MARRIAGES.

I think any mature mind would accept that you don’t just fall in love with one person in your life. You meet many , you lust many.

Why should I choose an open marriage?

The ability to have an honest marriage and still experience sex outside marriage is a different kind of empowerment. These activities hold a certain kind of power and can boost a person's confidence.

A lot of couples also adopt open marriages to learn different skills and coping mechanisms to navigate through heavy emotions.

For example: If the same couple goes through infidelity in future, this open marriage experience might as well serve as a learning lesson, in the time of crisis.

It also teaches sharing, and how to navigate through partner possessiveness and jealousy.

During an interview with a couple who practices an open marriage, they answered: they like the concept of open marriage because they love seeing their partner sexually fulfilled. “You can’t have all the abilities to full-fill your partner's sexual desires, and so it's completely fine to explore and let them enjoy”.

In my POV, it is much easier to fulfill your partner’s needs if they tell you what they want. An open marriage allows you to put your cards on the table and express your needs fearlessly. As we say everything fades and every relationship gets old, an open marriage can bring spark to your sexual life.

Infidelity:

The very stem of extra marital affairs is lack of communication. Couples go through a lot of problems being together and if those are not being acknowledged there are high chances one of them might end up in an extra marital affair.

When usually being asked to my patients they describe it as follows:

1. Early marriages which has led to a stagnation in past life and there is no spark left.
2. Some of them got married for the wrong reason or out of societal pressure. They never liked their partner from the very beginning and now are actually in love with someone out of the marriage.
3. Being a parent- especially in males, they have started feeling unimportant due to all the attention being given to the child. There is no time to even engage in a sexual activity so they have formed a sexual bond outside the marriage.
4. Some of them have gone out of marriage because of sexual dissatisfaction which has occurred with passing time.
5. There is an emotional disconnect and the partner has been avoiding the conflicts
6. After a while, there is no common interest left which leads to a generation of disinterest.

While our parents or relatives wouldn't approve of the concept, it is crucial in today’s world that we prioritize ourselves and our sexual health and trust me, its no longer a tabboo!

Conclusion

Open marriages challenge the traditional idea of monogamy and fidelity, but they can be a valid lifestyle choice for some couples seeking sexual fulfillment and empowerment. Open marriages require open communication, trust, and honesty between partners, and they can teach valuable lessons about coping mechanisms, sharing, and navigating through possessiveness and jealousy. However, open marriages are not suitable for everyone, and they may not address the root causes of infidelity or emotional disconnect in relationships. Ultimately, the decision to pursue an open marriage should be a consensual agreement between both partners and based on their unique needs and desires.

Dr. Shachi Patel

Dr Shachi Patel is a highly qualified and experienced Consultant Neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists are trained in both psychology and neuroscience and specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of brain-based disorders, including cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems.

As a neuropsychologist, Dr Shachi Patel brings a unique perspective to the field of mental health, combining her expertise in psychology and neuroscience to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment. The Mind Clinic-India, which she founded, is dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, using a holistic brain-body approach to diagnose and treat a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems.

Dr. Shachi Patel's commitment to developing strong relationships with her patients and their families through empathetic communication, a respectful attitude, and a commitment to the confidentiality of information at all times is a testament to her dedication to her patient's well-being. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal mental health and is highly regarded for her contributions to the field of neuropsychology in India.