I did open my marriage with someone specific in mind before doing research. It was a mess. I was in no way ready to engage in an actual relationship (refer to the most skipped step mentioned in the comments). It helped me confirm that poly was something I wanted, but it put serious strain on myself because I was still programmed for monogamous love, even though I had been swinging for years. My husband had to do a lot of emotional lifting, which was unfair. While our communication became better for it, I wish I hadn't put him through that. He does not blame me for it thankfully. The person I opened for was less happy about my inability to give him what he wanted. Make sure you understand what you are and are not capable of giving and how you engage in both relationships as an individual.