How To Maintain Rules And Boundaries In An Open Relationship

By Josee Ng Monogamy, the practice of being in romantic relationships with one partner at a time, is the most accepted form of relationship in most modern societies. It wasn’t the norm with our ancestors, but monogamy is an ordained foundation of marriage in most parts of the world today. However, just as polyamory or …

6 Questions to Ask Yourself If You’re Considering an Open Relationship

A therapist explains how to know if ethical nonmonogamy is right for you. By Marie Southard Ospina Many of us grow up alongside narratives of a “happily ever after” one-soulmate-kind-of love, but this cultural ideal is far from a universal reality—or even a universal desire. Just like someone might have several friends who meet various …

The difference between ethical non-monogamy and cheating

By Julia Naftulin In monogamous relationships, a range of intimate interactions with other people could be considered cheating. This can lead to confusion about ethically non-monogamous relationships, where someone has multiple partners but isn’t cheating. According to a therapist, cheating isn’t black-and-white, but defined by an agreement partners make. People in monogamous relationships can’t seem …

What’s the Difference Between Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamory, and Open Relationships?

Here’s how to determine what’s right for you. By Zachary Zane Relationships used to be simpler. Traditionally in the United States, the vast majority of people in relationships were monogamous, whereas the few remaining more “adventurous” couples were in open relationships, meaning they slept with additional folks with the consent and knowledge of their partner. …

Real Couples Discuss The Key To Making An Open Relationship Work

By Morgan Mandriota Monogamy is our society’s default relationship model. Once you find the one, you get engaged. Then you get married. And voilà! You’re with one person for the rest of your life. This might be a comforting happily ever after for some. For others, it can sound and feel like a trap. Good …

7 Signs a Monogamous Relationship Isn’t For You

According to a polyamorous sex therapist. By Rachel Wright Monogamy is all around us. It’s the relationship style we see every day in the media, pop culture, religion, and, generally, in our everyday lives. Unfortunately, compulsory monogamy is also all around us. Compulsory monogamy culture assumes that everyone strives to be married (or partnered) to/with …

What Ethical Non-Monogamy Is and Isn’t

Ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and open relationships are gaining popularity. But what exactly are they and how do you practice them? by Sian Ferguson Ethical non-monogamy, also known as consensual non-monogamy, is a relationship style that’s been in the spotlight lately. There are many ways to practice ethical nonmonogamy. For some, that might look like polyamory, …

Real Couples Discuss How Non-Monogamy Benefits Their Relationship

It can be done. By Kendall Keith Monogamous relationships are challenging enough in their own right, but not everyone finds them to be compatible with who they are intrinsically. There’s often a moral stigma centered around ethical non-monogamy (ENM) or consensual non-monogamy (CNM), and with that comes a disconnect and generalized misconception of what it …