A while back I was a guest performer for a sketch show in New York and the rather explosive opener we performed was about a couple who announces at a dinner party that they’ve decided to have an open marriage.

Things get immediately awkward. It’s comedy, it’s over-the-top, it’s cynical. But of course, the real reasons people go for that sort of thing, and the results, vary quite a lot in the real world.

Here are ten bits of anonymous input from couples who decided to open things up – and why they did it.

10. We’re exploring

It’s a whole new world out there.

Source: Whisper

9. So far away

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Source: Whisper

8. Incompatibility

It kinda seems like that’s a problem that’s not gonna be solved?

Source: Whisper

7. Jealousy rules

Why do I feel like this can’t be sustained? Maybe I’m just a prude.

Source: Whisper

6. Years of research

What, like, in a lab? With white coats and mice and stuff?

Source: Whisper

5. Hot stuff

Let the fun times roll.

Source: Whisper

4. For us…

Did you blink it out with each other in morse code?

Source: Whisper

3. Hands on deck

Everyone head to the lifeboats while the band plays on.

Source: Whisper

2. The depressing truth

“But it’s mostly me that plays on the side.”

Source: Whisper

1. Chick, chick, boom

Is it really?

Source: Whisper

To each their own, I suppose. Whatever works for you works for you! The point is that you deserve to be happy.

Do you have experience with this kind of thing?

Tell us about it in the comments.