Will Smith Says Open Marriage is the Key to Success

Can an Open Marriage Work?

Hollywood's Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith have been married since 1997. In an interview with the UK magazine Reveal, Will Smith credits his successful relationship to having an open marriage. As he explains it, "Our perspective is, you don't avoid what's natural and you're going to be attracted to people." Will Smith and Jada Pinkett also stress the importance of honesty. When he wants to have sex with someone, he would ask her for permission. He wouldn't do it unless she approved. The same rule applies to Jada. When Will Smith and Jada Pinkett exchanged vows, they never used the words "forsaking all others." Can such a relationship work? While there are two sides to the issue, I see more cons than pros to an open marriage.

Will Smith says Open Marriage is the Key to Success: The Pros

One advantage to Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's open marriage is honesty. As Will Smith explains, "I don't know how I'd feel."

Another advantage to Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's non-exclusive relationship is the 'best of both worlds' experience. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith seem to be happy together. They have been together for over ten years and have two children together (and a third from a previous marriage). In public appearances, their body language is open and affectionate. Their non-exclusive relationship seems to be the best of both worlds: they have the emotional trust while still being able to act on their natural instincts.

Will Smith says Open Marriage is the Key to Success: The Cons

Yet there are problems with an open marriage. Having affairs, even in the most open and honest relationships, can lead to emotional and physical entanglements as well as complicated love triangles. Can Will and Jada remain loyal to each other if they are emotionally and physically involved with other people? Will and Jada Pinkett Smith may not be setting the best example for their children. Seeing mom and dad having affairs does provide the most stable environment.