Open relationships, while not something generally thought of as being promoted in Western societies where monogamy is the norm, do have their place. In today's world, infidelity is becoming more widely accepted, or at least acknowledged as a reality.

But infidelity, whether it is something that you are experiencing in your own relationship or if it is something you are witnessing in someone else's relationship, is a breeding ground for suspicion and mistrust. The desire to uphold societal standards of the value of monogamy outweighs the realization that infidelity indicates that there is something drastically wrong with the relationship, and people stew in silence. Worse yet, they get their revenge by engaging in such acts themselves.

Under these circumstances, open relationships are one of the answers. It requires a level of trust and understanding that is higher than most people are able to offer, but it is the recognition that with everyone being so busy, we are simply unable to be "enough" for our significant other. They go looking elsewhere for some kind of satisfaction. And in an open relationship, this is understood and honesty and trust allow you to both communicate about your feelings, wants, and needs.

If only to re-establish the trust and honesty that we appear to have lost, open relationships would seem to be the way to go provided everyone is mature enough and honest enough to handle the situation. Trust and communication are necessary to a strong, happy, and healthy relationship.