An open relationship is a committed relationship in which the partners are free to have emotional and/or physical relationships with other partners, often within mutually agreed limits. If a couple in an open relationship are married, it can be called an open marriage.Some relationships place strict restrictions on partners such relationships are polyamorous, but not open.Some relationships permit sex outside the primary relationship, but not love (e.g. swinging); such relationships are sexually non-monogamous but not polyamorous or open.While “open relationship” is sometimes used as a synonym for “polyamory” or “polyamorous relationship”, these terms are generally differentiated. Nowadays, however, a lot of rules in relationships have evolved, and the number of people in open relationships has increased dramatically. Although it has been something that was frowned upon back in the days, the social embarrassment that used to go along with being engaged in polyamory has seen a significant drop, not only among singles but among those involved in a committed relationship, even marriage. Some couples who are involved in it even maintain that it can in fact spice up an otherwise monotonous and lacklustre marriage. As much as it can do wonders to a marriage, it still can’t be denied that being involved in this kind of partnership has also its own share of threats, especially when it comes to health concerns. Intimacy is a problem in an open relationship if you or your partner can’t get past the idea that you share sexual moments with others.Explore whether you and your partner are really committed to an open relationship. Both of you have to agree wholeheartedly to prevent it from ruining your intimacy. Create a nonthreatening environment where each one of you can express your true opinion about the situation.