A Happy Life in an Open Relationship

A Happy Life in an Open Relationship steps away from other books about open relationship and non-monogamy as it is a very personal book. I say personal not just because of the subject matter but because the author herself, Susan Wenzel, offers a lot of anecdotal examples taken from her own life and those from her professional life as a relationship therapist.

The book itself provides a range of information not only on open relationships but other non-monogamous relationships types. Most sections of the book offer guides and exercises to help readers better understand and work through issues. A large part of the book looks at introducing the concept of non-monogamy to relationships – how you approach, deal with, and work through conversations and issues, while the rest works through other aspects of these relationships.

However, at times the book can read more like a biography than a guide. At some points I found that I was interested in subjects and how to handle these better myself but was treated to page after page of personal reflections instead of constrictive advice on how to actively tackle these issues. As someone who has struggled with jealousy issues, I was disappointed to not be given any actual advice other than to work towards positive responses to negative compulsions.

Despite this small issue, the book shines in it’s positive portrayals. There are no judgements made in this book which is really empowering to read. The book is not authored from a theoretical standpoint, the author is in an open relationship herself, which really makes not just the advice but the issues faced so much more real.

RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are looking at opening up your relationship, A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is a great resource for all of the things you need to consider. Wenzel offers a number of considerations that can often be not thought about, so if you are thinking about branching out in your relationship, this book is an excellent idea.

For those already in an open relationship, A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is a wonderful resource that can help preemptively tackle issues or as a guide to handle the more tricky conversations. I say wonderful as there is no judgement in the writing – it is open and honest and is purely there to help guide people who may hit some bumps in the road.

If you’re simply curious about open relationships and polyamory, then A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is also a great book. The number of personal anecdotes really personalise this subject that often can be overlooked or eye rolled.

Please note: I received a copy of A Happy Life in an Open Relationship from NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm often interested to read books written by sex and relationship therapists. I liked the anecdotal aspect to this book rather than just a checklist of how to have a happy nonmonogamous relationship. The author describes the various types of relationships and gives tips on how to overcome jealousy or other potential problems. As in any relationship, good communication is always key.