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. …

LGBT Seniors Are Being Pushed Back Into the Closet

To curb harassment in care facilities, one woman is teaching staff members to respect their elders’ sexual orientations. By David R. Wheeler A few years ago, Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow was spending time with, and comforting, a friend who was dying of cancer. Along with all of the usual difficulties and complexities of end-of-life care, there …

This is what it’s *really* like to date someone in an open relationship

From drawing boundaries to catching feelings, here’s your guide to navigating non-monogamous situationships with someone who already has a partner By Saskia Calliste Thanks to celebrities like the Smith family, Bella Thorne and Shailene Woodley, more people know about polyamory, throuples, open relationships and ethical non-monogamy than ever before. A once-closeted expression of love is …

How your brain changes when you fall in love

And 4 health benefits By Ashley Laderer Falling in love causes a rush of dopamine and norepinephrine, which make you feel giddy and happy. In a long-term relationship, your brain releases oxytocin and vasopressin, which drive pair-bonding. Love can have health benefits like boosting immunity, dulling pain, and helping you live longer. When you first …

‘There’s Not Just One Type of Porn’

— Erika Lust’s Alternative Vision The Swedish moviemaker thinks pornography can create a society that sees sexuality as myriad and joyful, and where women’s pleasure matters. By Mary Katharine Tramontana When Billie Eilish called pornography “a disgrace” in a recent radio interview, the quote made headlines. The Grammy-winning musician said she had started watching at …

Study finds consensual nonmonogamy a ‘healthy’ option

by Jeffrey Renaud Consensual nonmonogamy within a relationship showed only positive outcomes on life satisfaction and relationship quality for the primary partners in a romantically involved couple—leading researchers to believe it to be healthy, viable relationship option. “Consensual nonmonogamy relationships and those who practice them are often stigmatized,” Psychology professor Samantha Joel said. “Monogamous relationships …