People may choose an open marriage for various reasons, and it can work for some — but definitely not for everyone.

Our reader, Samantha, 33, recently shared a story she asked to be published unaltered. As a monogamous woman, she never wanted to share her husband. But when he pressured her into an open marriage, she decided to teach him a powerful lesson in respect.

Samantha wrote:

“Hi, Bright Side! I’m 33, and I used to believe I had everything: a loving husband, Steve, 39, a successful business we run together, a beautiful home, and two adorable kids. Everything was perfect — until one day Steve said he wanted to ‘change things’ and suggested an open marriage. I hated the idea, but he told me, ‘Agree or I’ll divorce you.’ I love him, so I said yes. We both started dating others.”

Things escalated when Samantha received flowers and a diamond ring from a supposed partner. Before this, Steve had openly given gifts to his side partners, so she believed it was fair. But the moment he saw her gifts, he exploded.

“He accused me of being irresponsible, a bad mother, and putting our kids at risk because a ‘stranger’ knew our address. Then he broke down crying — truly shattered.”

And that was exactly what Samantha had planned.

She revealed, “I never actually had any side partners. I stayed faithful. I bought the flowers myself and used my grandmother’s expensive heirloom ring to make it look like a gift. I wanted Steve to feel he wasn’t irreplaceable and realize someone else could treat me like a princess.”

Now, Steve is begging to return to a monogamous marriage, calling the open relationship a terrible mistake. But Samantha isn’t rushing to comfort him.

“I told him I might actually like open relationships now,” she said. “He’s trying so hard to win me back — and honestly, it feels satisfying. It was worth it. What would you do in my place?”