5 Reasons We Keep Our Open Marriage Private — and Why We Might Be Wrong

Is Keeping Secrets from Our Kids the Right Choice? The Journey of Love, Trust, and Breaking Societal Norms

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As relationships evolve, so do the ways we define and navigate them. Open marriages, polyamory, and alternative relationship structures are becoming more common, yet still often remain hidden in the shadows due to fear of judgment. My husband Mars and I have embraced an open marriage for years, but despite its success, we’ve made the decision not to tell our children about it — yet. In this article, I’ll explore the reasons behind this choice and reflect on whether we’re doing the right thing for our family.

1. The Uncomfortable Truth About Talking to Kids About Sex

I believe in proactive, honest sex education, yet the idea of discussing my own sexual life with my children feels uncomfortable — if not downright awkward. Our open marriage is rooted in Mars having relationships with other people, while I don’t. This arrangement, while perfectly valid for us, would likely be difficult to explain to young minds.

Sexuality is complex and often laden with cultural taboos, but there’s a part of me that wonders if my reluctance stems from a cultural instinct to protect my children’s innocence. I don’t want to…