Healthy Relationships: Are open relationships healthy?

Dear Mark: I guess I'm surprised and a little appalled at your response to the "Sara on the Beach" inquiry. [Note: This is the Healthy Relationships article titled, He doesn't want to know, published online 3/23/09.]

I moved to Palm Beach a year ago and still struggle to understand the "dating" experience here. Nothing is taken too seriously, and women seem to be treated like we are a dime a dozen. Sex is usually expected on second date or you never hear from them again.

After reading your response, it just confirms what I have decided is the rule of thumb for dating here: Nothing is wrong with wide-open type relationships and that they should be expected. I would certainly hope that is not true. Please tell me that there are still "Healthy Relationships." Perplexed in Palm Beach

Dear Perplexed, I'm sorry my response upset you. A few other people wrote in with the same concern as you over this particular column.

Open relationships are definitely not for everyone. In fact, only a small minority can say this arrangement works for them. Monogamy works for most people, but I needed to respond, kindly, to the woman who sent this particular email who was struggling with this particular issue.

My advice is to always communicate honestly with your partner regardless of the specific decision each couple comes to in the end. When two people work together to put their needs out there rather than engage in defensive arguments, the possibilities are endless.

I hope you'll continue to read these articles. I appreciate your feedback and please write in again. Sincerely, Mark