The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
The majority of folks in our culture are monogamous, meaning they only have romantic or sexual connections with one another after they become partners. However, one in every five persons has at some point been in a non-monogamous relationship.
Non-monogamous relationships are discussed in this article, as well as the reasons why people select them and how to conduct them in a safe and enjoyable manner for all parties involved.
Is Non-Monogamy Ethical?
Non-monogamy can be practiced in a number of various ways, all of which necessitate open communication between all parties.
It’s called “ethical non-monogamy” (ENM) when two people have a love relationship that isn’t exclusively committed to each other. In spite of the fact that non-monogamy may not be the norm in romantic partnerships, it has become more common recently.
ENM can manifest itself in a variety of ways in a relationship. In some cases, it may be one person or both people acting outside of the partnership. It could be a sexual relationship, a romantic relationship, or a combination of both.
A primary relationship may have different tendencies when it comes to developing emotional ties with amorous and/or sexual partners, even if both people practice ENM.
Reasons Why People Opt for ENM
There are numerous good reasons to avoid being in a monogamous relationship, including ethical considerations. Here are just a few of them:
- There is a time lag between our first understanding of our sexuality and our ability to fully explore it as it changes over time. In order to better understand one’s sexual identity, ENM makes sense for individuals who don’t want to give up their connection with their spouse in order to experiment with people of a different sex.
- In some cases, a person’s needs are not fully met by a partnership. It’s a lot of strain to expect one person to adore everything you love and fit perfectly into your life. People who practice ENM have the option to seek out others who may share their sexual or romantic interests in order to lessen this pressure.
- Some people are able to love numerous people at the same time, which makes them happier and more fulfilled in life.
Is It Cheating?
Ethical non-monogamy differs from infidelity in that both parties in a relationship are aware of and consent to the practice of non-monogamy. The partner does not consent to cheating in this case. There is no cheating because you and your lover have chosen to practice non-monogamy in advance.
Ethics implies that all aspects of the profession are handled by both parties in a mutually agreed upon manner. Learn more about how to have honest conversations about relationship boundaries with your partner at this page.
How To Practice It
Honest dialogue is critical to the success of an ethically non-monogamous relationship. You and your partner should discuss your goals for the future of your relationship before deciding to try a new form of communication.
Exploring everything from your long-term partnership goals to the intricacies of everyday ENM living can be beneficial to you both. Checking in with your spouse on a frequent basis will help you adjust to your new relationship setup as you transition to being an ENM couple.
However, there are many people who think that ethical non-monogamy improves the quality of their relationships.
