What are goals of the open game?

Hello! Im not very good at chess. but i thought id ask a question...

Well for a awhile now (probably since i started playing chess) I always preferred a closed/semi closed position. But im starting to think if im going to improve (when im not doing tactics and such of course) I should probably learn what to do if my opponent opens the game up.

Now dont get me wrong, i know the opening principles, and such. But i get...lost... In the open game. I think it might have something to do with all the space, i dont know what to do with it haha (i tend to overthink things you see)

Well, I think it can be solved with just, getting the mindset down. So,here comes the question. *drum rolls* What is a general strategy in a open game? Obviously a strategy would change in a different position, but sort of like "guidelines", to get my head a rolling.

Thanks if you can help me

I do want to note... The reason i dont post on forums is i tend to sound... a bit of a jerk when i type. Sorry if any of my post is rude in anyway.

Possibly of interest:
Starting Out: Open Games
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626232452/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen134.pdf

 Middle game mostly, I think I have the opening under control.

At least, that's where I start to feel confused.

thanks that helps a lot.