My husband wants to open our marriage, and I am afraid no means losing him

Dear Delyara, After fifteen years of marriage, my husband told me he no longer believes monogamy suits him. He says he loves me, does not want a divorce, and believes opening the marriage could bring honesty rather than betrayal. He has sent articles, podcasts, and names of therapists who specialize in nontraditional relationships. I have read everything because I am terrified that refusing makes me narrow-minded and accepting destroys something essential in me. He insists there is no specific person, but I notice how carefully he protects his phone now. Last night, he asked whether I would consider a six-month trial. I said I needed time. He kissed my forehead and thanked me for being open. I am not open. I am frightened. We have children, a house, shared friends, and a history I once believed rested on an agreement both of us still wanted. I do not want to control him. I also do not want to stand politely at the door while he carries our marriage into other rooms. Every answer seems to require one of us to betray ourselves.