Open Marriages in Serbia: Revolution or Family Collapse?
Are open marriages in Serbia just a trend or a deep need? Psychologist Jovana Stojković shatters myths and reveals the dark side of this modern love paradigm.
What is an open marriage really? An open marriage is not just “having someone on the side.” It is often a tacit agreement between partners to lead parallel lives, with different romantic and sexual relationships, but without the usual fights and accusations. Sounds like a perfect marriage? Not quite.
Who are the people in open marriages? According to Stojković, they are mostly urban, professionally accomplished people, often with long relationships or marriages over 15 years. They are not young and not just seeking adventures – they want stability and compromise. But is it really stability or just a mask?
Are there any rules? There are no universal rules. No falling in love, no bringing other partners home, and new relationships are often maintained within a circle of acquaintances or colleagues. Women are emotionally more demanding, while men more often engage in short relationships or flirts.
Can open marriages succeed? The psychologist clearly says: no. A marriage without conflicts does not exist, and stability comes through overcoming crises. Open marriages often hide deep problems – from lack of intimacy to tacit cheating.
Children and family – victims or witnesses? Children in such families often suffer more than parents think. A crisis in marriage is not solved by cheating, but by honesty and working on the relationship. Children know the truth and often express anger towards mothers, who, according to Stojković, are emotionally most affected.
Final thought The institution of marriage in Serbia is, according to the psychologist, on shaky ground. Open marriages are not a solution but a symptom of deeper problems in society and family. Is this the end of traditional marriage or just a new phase in the evolution of love? The debate is open – just like the marriages.
If you thought your marriage was complicated, wait until you hear what’s going on in these “perfect” open relationships. So, what do you think? Is open marriage a brave choice or an escape from reality? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s for and who’s against!