Is an 'open relationship' a wise decision?

The only open relationship I have ever seen was one where one of my best girl friends was with a man who could sleep with anyone he wanted. She only wanted to be with him and he wanted to be with everyone (women and men). He would cuddle and make out with people right in front of her. Although I have never seen the two of them fight or her ever act jealous, she does look away when anything happens. And it makes everyone who is aware that they are together extremely uncomfortable whenever he is with someone else. He is taking advantage of her good nature and willingness to have an open relationship. I think these kinds of arrangements can only work if they are never taken for granted and there is mutual respect. Of course, that's true of any relationship.

So, I guess, open relationships are fine - but they should be open for everyone - not just one person.

I would say that most people cannot handle an "open relationship." As humans, it isn't that we are monogamous by nature, because we aren't. What we are is territorial. In every example in the article, people were only concerned with who their partner was (or wasn't) involved with.

I be that most people would prefer the harem model: I get as many lovers as I choose, but all of them are reserved for me. Unfortunately that doesn't work both ways.

It is absolutely possible to have a successful open relationship. My husband and I have a happy and successful open marriage, and the majority of our friends are polyamorous as well. The important thing is to respect each others' boundaries and be open and communicative about any new partners.