As relationships change, people try new things with marriage. They are being open about being with other people. This article is about those marriages that are open.
Some facts: Do more people want them now? Are they still weird? We’ve got numbers from studies! We’ll also tell you truths so that you understand more about this subject that people can’t agree on.
Get ready to learn about open marriages in 2024. There are different patterns, things to face, and changes that happen, which we will discuss later.
10 Key Open Marriage Statistics for 2024
- 44% of millennials were married in 2019, meaning their marriage patterns have changed.
- 22% of people in the United States think marriage is not necessary anymore.
- 21% of single Americans have engaged in some form of consensual non-monogamy.
- A range of 4% to 9% of adults in the United States have open relationships right now.
- 50% of Americans do not think open marriages are okay at all or are okay only a little bit.
- 57% of married adults do not believe open marriages are okay.
- 56% of people said they would break up if their loved one suggested they have an open relationship.
- Only 22% of heterosexual Americans said that they would be interested in having an open relationship.
- 1 in 6 Americans would like to try polyamory — that is, having more than one romantic relationship at the same time.
- Approximately 24% of people on OkCupid say they would consider having group sex at some point in their lives.
General Open Marriage Statistics
Open marriages are on the rise in our society compared to the past when they were thought to be only for certain groups of people. Some couples want to improve their relationship, and others wish to experience life fully instead of being limited to one partner. Do statistics support these claims?
1. Only 44% of Millennials Were Married in 2019 Compared to Other Generations
Most Millennials are not getting married in the same way as their ancestors did. Just 44% of Millennials had gotten married by 2019. This shows that people now think differently about what they want for themselves and how they want to live. It is not just about this group of young adults. It is a pattern across many parts of society (Pew Research [1]).
2. 22% of Americans Think that the Concept of Marriage Is Outdated
An essential part of the American population (about 22%) that supports open unions believes that the idea of matrimony is old-fashioned. This feeling reveals that notions about sex and commitment are not what they used to be in our culture. It also shows that different types of romantic arrangements are becoming more accepted than they were in the past since people have different beliefs about what makes a marriage strong (AVVO).
3. 21% of Single Americans Have Practiced Some Form of Consensual Nonmonogamy
An estimated 21% of unmarried U. S. residents have tried consensual non-monogamy (CNM) before, showing that unconventional romantic arrangements are intriguing to many more people than previously known. Even if fewer people are CNM-ing currently, this data point establishes that a lot of Americans are open to the idea of being romantically or sexually involved with more than one person at once (Springer).
4. Between 4% To 9% of American Adults Are Actively Engaging in Open Relationships
Research indicates that about 4% to 9% of grown-ups in the United States have been in an open partnership at some point. It is intriguing to note that most of these people are guys, and they identify as either homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or “something else.” This fact demonstrates how diverse and all-encompassing non-monogamous marriages and relationships can be (NCBI [1]).
5. 50% of Americans Believe Open Marriages Are Somewhat or Completely Unacceptable
It is surprising to note from the findings of a new study that about half of all Americans are not entirely okay with marriages where partners agree to have sexual relationships with others. Of this number, 37% feel very strongly that such partnerships are unacceptable, while 13% say they disagree. These numbers show that even as times change, people still have strong feelings about relationships that are not monogamous (Pew Research [2]).
6. 57% of Married Adults Express that Open Marriages Are Unacceptable
Recent research has shown that 57% of wedded individuals think of open partnerships as wrong. This shows that people who have made a decision to be with only one person are usually not okay with the idea of having more than one romantic partner. On the other hand, individuals who are cohabitating or have never tied the knot might be more receptive to the concept (Pew Research [2]).
7. 56% Would Leave Their Lover if They Wanted an Open Relationship
New studies have shown that 56% of people would break up with their partner if they wanted to start an open relationship. This shows that even though some families like the idea of having other partners, many others don’t. If you’re thinking about trying it, it’s crucial to talk to your spouse and make sure you both want the same thing (AVVO).
8. Only 22% of Heterosexual or Straight Americans Expressed Interest in Having an Open Relationship
There is a significant difference in the number of straight people and gay people who want to have open relationships; only 22% of straight people have wondered about this kind of arrangement or think that they would like it, whereas 46% of gay people have done the same (YouGov).
9. 1 out of 6 People Desire to Engage in Polyamory
Research shows that about one in six people (16. 8%) are interested in having polyamorous relationships. This means more individuals are open to the idea of having more than one partner at the same time, and it seems that more people want to experiment with multiple romantic relationships (NCBI [2]).
10. Approximately 24 % of OkCupid’s Users Are “Seriously Interested” in Group Sex
It is surprising, but research indicates that about a quarter of OkCupid’s users have said they would like to have sex with more than one other person. This number shows that many people are interested in experimenting with different kinds of things to find what they like best sexually. It also shows that ideas about how relationships and sex are connected are changing in our society (The Atlantic).
11. 32% of Men and 19% of Women Are Interested in a Non-Monogamous Relationship
Research on the types of relationships people are interested in has shown that when it comes to non-monogamy, more men (32%) than women (19%) are open to it. This difference in desire implies that compared to women, fewer men want to be in a monogamous relationship with one person all the time. However, it’s important to note that what individuals wish can be very different, so we can’t say these desires are true for everyone who identifies as a man or woman (YouGov).
Effects of Open Marriages on Couples
Open marriages can impact couples in different ways, good and bad. Now we will look at some numbers to know more:
1. 49% Would Never Date Someone Who Is Married
Almost half of all people (49%) do not want to date somebody who is married. This shows that most individuals think it is wrong or are not interested in getting involved with someone who has a husband or wife for themselves. It’s also a reminder that if you’re exploring romantic options, being honest about your situation is very important (AVVO).
2. 64% of Women and 47% of Men Believe That an Open Relationship Is Not Morally Upright
Recent research has shown that 64% of women and 47% of men think that open relationships are not morally right. This indicates that many people still have strong feelings about relationships where partners are not faithful. Because a large part of society holds this view, people who choose non-monogamous relationships might have to deal with being judged more or having more difficulties because of it (AVVO).
3. 20% of Men and 16% of Women Feel Happier in Open Relationships
It is unexpected, but research has demonstrated that one out of every five guys and one out of every six girls in open partnerships are more satisfied than if they were monogamous. This implies that some people might feel happier and healthier when they have permission to get romantic or physical with more than one person (YouGov).
4. 92% of Open Marriages End in Divorce
The fact that divorce rates are higher at 92% for couples in open marriages is a clear indication of how difficult it is to make non-monogamous relationships work within the boundaries society sets for married people. The big difference between expectations and realities or the lack of support for something unconventional also contributes to why these numbers are so uncomfortably high (CNN).
5. 80% of Wives in Open Marriages Rate Their Compatibility with Their Spouse as Excellent or Good
A good or excellent compatibility rating concerning their partner was given by 80% of married women who took part in open marriages, according to new surveys. This result shows that quite some couples who have these kinds of marriages are not unhappy with each other. Instead, they want to find ways to grow as individuals, which makes them happy (PubMed).
6. 76% Females Rate Their Sexual Satisfaction in Open Relationships the Same Way
In research on sexual contentment in open partnerships, it was found that 76% of women reported the same levels of sexual satisfaction as ladies in exclusive partnerships. This means that for many women, being sexually fulfilled doesn’t depend on whether or not they are in a monogamous relationship. It also shows that other things apart from being exclusive to one partner can satisfy someone in this area of their life (PubMed).
What Are the Risks and Implications of Open Relationships?
Despite providing independence and the opportunity to try new things, open relationships have their own dangers and results. Below are some of them:
1. 3.99 out of 7 Is the Average Rate of Overall Happiness of Individuals in Non-Monogamous Relationships
According to surveys that compare how happy people are in their relationships, monogamous people give slightly higher average ratings for happiness overall (4.45 out of 7) than people who are in consensually non-monogamous relationships (3.99 out of 7). These results show a link between thinking that monogamy is essential and thinking that romance is more satisfying (NCBI [1]).
2. 37.5% of Respondents in Open Relationships Experience Drinking and Drug Addiction
According to research, more than a third of people who are in relationships where they are not entirely faithful admitted that they drank a lot and used illegal drugs. This shows that sometimes, when it is hard to deal with feelings and find ways of having sex with others without hurting your partner(s), you might comfort yourself or find ways to ignore the situation by getting high or drunk (The Journal of Sex Research).
3. 3.04% of People In Partial Open Relationships Experience Loneliness
A mere 3.04% of people in non-exclusive relationships admit to feeling alone. Even though they have many romantic partners to choose from, some aspects of having multiple loves may make them feel disconnected or isolated from others (The Journal of Sex Research).
4. 2.7% of Respondents in Open Relationships Suffer from Psychological Distress
According to research, a small but significant number of people in open relationships (2.7%) undergo mental strain, suggesting that there is a connection between these types of partnerships and mental health issues, though not many individuals are affected. This could be because of having to handle affection for more than one partner simultaneously in addition to what society says is right or wrong (The Journal of Sex Research).
5. 37.19% of Participants in Open Relationships Have Lifetime Sexually Transmitted Infections
According to research, 37.19% of individuals who are in relationships where they are not exclusive have said that they have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at some point in their lives. This shows how much more likely it is for STIs to spread when people have sex with more than one person. It is extremely important for people who have open relationships to use protection and get tested regularly (The Journal of Sex Research).
Conclusion
Concluding our look at research and figures on open marriage patterns for 2024, it is clear that feelings about non-monogamous partnerships are changing. Even though most people don’t pick this kind of relationship, more and more individuals are okay with the idea.
The differences in how much men and women want to be in an open marriage are also interesting to note. We also see that females sometimes feel happier sexually in these types of unions.
As we move forward as a society, our ideas about love and commitment also change. So it’s crucial to think about these things carefully and remember that everyone has different relationship needs and wants.
Sources
Pew Research[1]
Springer
NCBI
Pew Research [2]
AVVO
NCBI [2]
The Atlantic
YouGov
CNN
PubMed
The Journal of Sex Research
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
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