How common is open relationship in 2025? Once whispered about in niche circles, open relationships are now mainstream conversation in many parts of the world. With changing attitudes toward love, commitment, and freedom, more couples are redefining what partnership means — and open relationships are no longer taboo.
From Gen Z on Reddit to millennials in urban cities, non-monogamy is being explored not just as a kink, but as a valid relationship style. But how common is it really? And does it actually work? Let’s break down the data, motivations, misconceptions, and challenges around open relationships today.
What is an open relationship?
An open relationship is a consensual non-monogamous agreement between partners where both are allowed to explore romantic and/or sexual connections with others. It’s different from cheating because everything is disclosed and agreed upon.
Types of open relationships include:
- Polyamory: Multiple romantic relationships with consent
- Open dating: Casual sexual encounters outside the primary relationship
- Relationship anarchy: Rejects hierarchy or labels altogether
- Swinging: Partner swapping, often within a social circle
How common are open relationships in 2025?
Global stats and trends:
- According to a 2024 YouGov survey, 33% of adults in the US under age 45 say they’ve tried some form of consensual non-monogamy.
- In a 2023 Pew Research poll, 1 in 5 millennials said they would consider an open relationship if their partner agreed.
- A study from the Journal of Sex Research found 21% of people had previously engaged in a non-monogamous arrangement at some point in their lives.
India-specific insights:
- Still taboo in many traditional circles, but increasingly common in metro cities
- Dating apps like OkCupid and Bumble report growing openness to ethical non-monogamy (ENM) profiles in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi
- More Indian couples in live-in relationships are experimenting with open terms
Why do people choose open relationships?
- They want sexual variety without cheating
- They believe love is not finite
- They feel constrained by traditional relationship norms
- They’ve had bad experiences with monogamy
- They trust their partner and want full honesty
What makes open relationships work?
- Honest communication
- Clear boundaries and regular check-ins
- Jealousy management techniques
- Time management and emotional bandwidth
Common misconceptions
- “It’s just an excuse to cheat” — No. Cheating involves secrecy. Open relationships involve mutual consent.
- “They don’t love each other enough” — In fact, open relationships often require more trust than monogamy.
- “They’re not serious” — Many open couples are deeply committed to each other emotionally.
Mid-article support from ichhori.com:
Do open relationships last?
They can — but they require active work. Research shows that open relationships don’t necessarily have higher breakup rates than monogamous ones. What matters is:
- Mutual compatibility with non-monogamy
- Emotional maturity
- Continuous conversations around needs and boundaries
What about jealousy?
Jealousy is natural. But open relationships deal with it by naming it, understanding it, and using it as a tool for growth rather than suppression. Common coping techniques include:
- Scheduled debriefs (“How are you feeling?”)
- Affirming your primary bond regularly
- Therapy, if needed
Are open relationships right for you?
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel secure enough to allow my partner emotional or physical space?
- Can I communicate discomfort without blame?
- Am I exploring this because I’m curious — or to fix something broken?
More ichhori.com reads on modern love styles:
Final Thoughts
How common is open relationship in 2025? More common than ever — especially among younger adults in urban spaces who are questioning the limits of traditional love. But open relationships aren’t a trend — they’re a commitment style that, like any other, requires effort, honesty, and emotional maturity. The only “right” relationship is the one that works for both people involved — label or no label.