
<a href="https://www.thestranger.com/savage-love/2025/08/19/80203227/four-options" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
Ever find yourself feeling like you’ve stepped off the ride at the amusement park just before the fun really starts? That’s exactly where a 31-year-old woman finds herself after nine years of marriage. Raised within a strict purity culture, she’s now questioning missed opportunities and unfulfilled desires that have been lurking in the shadows. With a crush on a coworker that has her feeling all giddy inside, it’s clear she’s ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, just not sure if she’s ready to board.
In a candid advice column, she learns she has four options: ask her husband for an open marriage, leave the relationship, take a chance and cheat, or simply suppress her feelings. Given that her husband shrugs off her curiosity, you can bet the stakes are high! Each choice carries its own set of consequences, and let’s be honest—neither option seems like a walk in the park! It seems like no matter which path she takes, there’s bound to be drama, excitement, and maybe a little heartbreak.
This theme of navigating the complexities of desires, boundaries, and marriage is something many can resonate with. It begs the question: how do we manage our wants against the commitments we’ve made? So, what would you do in her shoes? Would you dance with desire, risk it all, or just keep the status quo? Let’s hear your thoughts!
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