Diane
	I have been in a relationship for nine years with a man that is nineteen years younger than me. About three years ago he decided that he wanted to try open relationships, meaning he wanted to be sexual with other women. At first I went into shock and fear. Then I felt threatened, scared, insecure and confused. As I came to terms with all of these feelings I actually started feeling a sense of freedom, a freedom that was foreign to me...for the first time in my life I felt that I was free to choose. Being Italian and raised Catholic I grew up believing that men ruled. I grew up diminishing and contorting myself to please and satisfy men. When my partner decided to be with other women he actually gave me permission to let go. Out of what seemed like an unbearable situation rose a woman of power. A woman of choice. A free woman!
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