Taking on additional partners while in a committed relationship has always been a bit of a controversial topic for many. Although it’s not entirely mainstream now, there’s still a notable interest in exploring open relationships.
Today, we’re sharing the story of a woman who ventured into an open marriage and now deeply regrets it. She wrote to us, hoping to gather advice and opinions from our readers. Here’s her journey, with a conclusion that no one could foresee.
In the Beginning, Eva was Happy with Her Traditional Marriage
Hello. I find myself in an oddly perplexing situation in what seemed to be a solid and joyful marriage. Frank and I have been fortunate to share over a decade of marriage together. I’ve always believed we had all the hallmarks of a happy marriage: harmony, trust, and commitment.
The idea of having additional partners was foreign to me. Frank appeared to be devoted to our family, never once causing me to question his love or desire to be with someone else.
Frank’s Sudden Shift Towards an Open Marriage
After our second child was born, I began gaining weight due to a hormonal imbalance. Frank could see I felt uneasy about my changing appearance, but he continually reassured me, saying I was still beautiful.
Eventually, I accepted this new shape, which came as a surprise when Frank expressed a need for “variety.” He professed his love for me but mentioned wanting an “additional partner” who’d differ from me physically.
Essentially, Frank was suggesting we have an open relationship and that he sought a more slender partner. I found his comments painful and toxic, although I let them slide at the time.
The Start of an Open Marriage Brings Trouble
Frank eventually stopped dancing around the subject and proposed we try an open marriage. Despite my reservations, a frank discussion led to me reluctantly agreeing.
Frank wasted no time and started dating other women immediately. Meanwhile, I wasn’t interested in finding someone new. I tried to distract myself by engaging with new hobbies.
Imagine my shock when Frank brought one of his partners home, introducing her as Alyson. He declared that she’d stay with us for a few months due to some housing issues.
This turn of events left me speechless. It was the final straw in my resolve to divorce Frank, but I chose to hold my reaction and started forming a plan.
Eva’s Strategy to Teach Frank a Lesson
Once she settled in, Alyson acted as if she were Frank’s wife, while I was treated as a stranger. I stopped performing routine housework—dishes, cleaning, cooking—anything involving Frank or Alyson.
Frank noticed the change and was displeased, particularly as I no longer prepared his lunches. In this newfound indifference, I awaited the inevitable confrontation.
Finally, Frank suggested a conversation, and I insisted Alyson be present. Though surprising to him, he agreed.
We convened, and Frank expressed confusion about my behavior. He thought the open marriage was a mutually liked decision and lamented my distant demeanor.
Calmly, I responded. I told Frank that I despised the idea of an open marriage from the start. My agreement stemmed from consideration for his wants, which I now regret deeply. Frank ignored my emotions entirely, and I no longer saw myself as his wife.
Alyson, now a part of the family, should share the duties with him. Tasks previously shared between us should now fall to her.
Both Frank and Alyson seemed troubled and caught off guard. Alyson left the room, visibly upset. Frank began apologizing profusely. But I had reached the end. I gathered my belongings and left, preparing for divorce. Do you believe I’m on the right path, or should I consider giving him another chance?
