Open for Action

An open Relationship has its own set of Pleasures and challenges Hemchhaya De guides you throgh this sexual minefield

- 

Priya*, 34, a journalist based in Pune, is in an open relationship with Raj*, 37, an entrepreneur and a divorcee. Initially, Priya was not sure about this arrangement, which would let both of them see other men and women outside their relationship. She says, “I hated the idea at first, but slowly I understood that in this kind of arrangement, there is transparency and no unrealistic expectations of being loyal to each other for eternity—there’s space and freedom to explore your desire for a variety of relationships.”

For Kakoli*, 32, a copywriter from Kolkata, an arranged marriage turned into an open arrangement when she found out that her husband had been seeing other women. “What really irritated me was the fact that he wasn’t transparent. After long discussions and a difficult phase in our marriage, we agreed to have an open relationship. We have our own set of rules and boundaries, of course.”

Open relationships are no longer a taboo subject. They are being discussed in the open, around the world. International celebrities such as Oscar-winning actors Tilda Swinton and Mo’Nique have been vocal about their non-monogamous lifestyles. In India, writers and researchers are weighing the pros and cons as well. Not too long ago, author Ira Trivedi delved into the subject in her book,