If you’re in an open relationship, you’ve likely encountered some frustrating misconceptions about your relationship style. Whether it’s in movies, TV shows, or casual conversations with friends, misinformation about open relationships runs rampant.
These misconceptions don’t just cause confusion—they create unnecessary stress for those in open relationships. They make it harder to have honest discussions with family, friends, and even coworkers.
So, let’s break down some of the biggest myths about open relationships and set the record straight.
Myth #1: Open Relationships Are Just a ‘Cheating Hall Pass’
This is probably the most widespread and frustrating misconception of them all. Many people assume that an open relationship is simply an excuse to cheat—but nothing could be further from the truth.
Cheating involves deception and breaking the agreed-upon rules of a relationship. Open relationships, on the other hand, are built on honesty, transparency, and mutual consent. Both partners agree on the terms, boundaries, and emotional expectations before exploring connections with others.
Rather than being a free-for-all, open relationships require a level of communication and trust that many monogamous relationships never even approach.
In fact, the reason so many monogamous couples turn to open relationships to “fix” their current relationship is due to this transparency. It’s not because they get to have a physical relationship with someone else, it’s because they finally get to be honest about their desires and needs. You can do the math.
Myth #2: You Can’t Cheat in an Open Relationship
This one might surprise people, but yes, you can cheat in an open relationship. Just because a couple has agreed to see other people doesn’t mean that all bets are off—there are still boundaries in place.
Cheating in an open relationship happens when one partner breaks those boundaries. If you’re secretly messaging people on an open relationship dating site without your partner’s knowledge, or engaging in relationships outside of your agreed-upon terms, that’s cheating. Open relationships are about trust and honesty, not loopholes.
Myth #3: Open Relationships Don’t Involve Emotional Connections
Another common misconception is that open relationships are purely physical, without any emotional depth. Some people assume that those in open relationships don’t form strong bonds with their partners—or with anyone else they date.
In reality, open relationships can be deeply emotional. Many people involved in open relationships experience love, commitment, and intimacy with multiple partners. Others maintain a strong emotional core with their primary partner while enjoying physical connections elsewhere. The key is that every relationship is different, and emotional depth is often a huge part of modern open relationships.
Myth #4: Open Relationships Are Just a Phase
There’s a belief that people only enter open relationships as a temporary experiment, a rebellious phase, or a last-ditch effort to save a failing relationship. While some people do explore open relationships temporarily, for many, it’s a lifelong and intentional choice.
Just like monogamy, open relationships require effort, commitment, and a willingness to nurture connections over time. Many couples successfully maintain open relationships for years—or even decades—without ever “growing out of it.”
Myth #5: Open Relationships Never Work Long-Term
This misconception is often thrown around by people who assume that jealousy, resentment, or a lack of commitment will inevitably lead to a breakup. But research shows that open relationships can be just as fulfilling and long-lasting as monogamous ones—sometimes even more so, due to the increased emphasis on communication and trust.
The success of any relationship—monogamous or open—depends on the people involved, their level of emotional maturity, and their ability to navigate challenges together. Open relationships are not doomed to fail any more than monogamous ones are guaranteed to succeed.
Myth #6: People in Open Relationships Are Afraid of Commitment
Many people assume that if someone is in an open relationship, they must have commitment issues or a fear of settling down. In reality, open relationships often involve just as much (if not more) commitment than monogamous ones.
Commitment in an open relationship doesn’t necessarily mean exclusivity—it means staying honest, respecting boundaries, and continuously prioritizing your partner(s) while allowing for additional connections. In many cases, open relationships require a higher level of relationship skills, emotional intelligence, and commitment than traditional dating.
Final Thoughts
Misinformation about open relationships is everywhere, but as they become more widely understood and accepted, these myths are slowly being dismantled.
Open relationships are not about cheating, avoiding commitment, or temporary experimentation—they are intentional, deeply communicative relationships that work for many people.
Whether you’re curious about open relationships or simply want to understand them better, the truth is clear: modern dating is evolving, and with it comes the freedom to explore love in a way that feels right for you.