In recent years, ethical non-monogamy has gained a lot of attention. This is a term that is used to describe relationships in which the partners involved are not monogamous. There are many different types of ethical non-monogamous relationships, and each one is unique. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common types of ethical non-monogamous relationships and what you need to know about them.
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What Is Ethical Non-Monogamy?
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the term ethical non-monogamy. Some people believe that it is simply a fancy way of saying “cheating.” However, this is not the case. Cheating is not ethical non-monogamy. Ethical non-monogamy is when the partners involved in a relationship have agreed, beforehand, to have other sexual or romantic partners. In other words, it is consensual non-monogamy.
Types of Ethical Non-Monogamous Relationships
There are many different types of ethical non-monogamous relationships. Here are some of the most commonly practiced ways:
Open relationships
These are relationships in which the partners involved are free to have other partners. The couple share an emotional bond but may indulge with other individuals for
Threesomes
This is when a couple involves a third party to have sex with them. This arrangement can be either done casually and temporarily or be a regular affair with someone trusted.
Polyamorous relationships
These are relationships definitely in which the partners involved have more than one committed romantic partner.
Throupling
This is when three individuals date each other at the same time with consent and communication.
Cuckolding
This is when a couple involves a third party to indulge in sexual activities with them, usually with one of the partners watching.
Swinging
This happens when couples swap partners with other couples for sexual activity. This can be with
Relationship anarchy
This is a type of relationship in which the partners involved do not believe in labels or hierarchy within their relationship.
Why Do People Practice Ethical Non-Monogamy?
There is no fixed category of people who practice non-monogamy. People indulge in different forms of expression because of varying reasons.
- People who want to explore their sexuality, romantic attraction, and/or gender identity while being in a committed relationship may open up options with their partner’s consent and comfort level.
- Sometimes, a single partner may not be able to fulfill all the needs of an individual. These needs may be physical, emotional, sexual, or monetary. For this reason, couples make adjustments to satisfy their partners by accommodating their needs.
- It can be a great way to build trust and communication in a relationship while also adding excitement and thrill to the relationship.
- People having excessive romantic or sexual capacity may indulge in non-monogamous relationships to satisfy their needs.
Ethical Non-Monogamy vs Infidelity
Unlike popular opinions, non-monogamy is NOT the same as infidelity. Cheating on your partner involves lying, manipulation, and betrayal. On the other hand, ethical non-monogamy includes active consent and consideration of all parties involved.
Everybody has a different approach when it comes to what behaviors classify as cheating. It is equally important to have strong boundaries even within non-monogamous relationships. It is essential to categorize these boundaries in a mutual understanding with the partner(s) involved.
Tips To Practice Ethical Non-Monogamy
Although there are no set rules when it comes to practicing ethical non-monogamy, there are some ways and tips you can follow to get the best experience and ensure safety for yourself and your partner(s).
- Discuss with your partner the possibilities of ideas you would like to explore. Talk about all the areas of the relationship involved. Whether you would like it to be short-term or long-term, keep it sexual, romantic, or both. The mutual agreement to pursue further relationships based on these parameters ensures trust and transparency.
- Being vocal about your needs, expectations, and desires is crucial to being respectful of people’s boundaries and sentiments. Open communication is essential to make the people involved feel acknowledged and heard.
- Just like any other relationship, non-monogamous relationships also involve ups and downs. Non-monogamy can umbrella all the human emotions which encompass the feeling of being in a relationship.
- Jealousy is a common human emotion that you can experience even in a non-monogamous practice. Instead of villainizing a normal human emotion, one can work on managing it well.
- In case of sexual indulgence, it is important to use contraception and regularly test for an STD/STI-free sex life.
- All human relationships require love, empathy, space, and communication. Before indulging in a non-monogamous commitment, ensure that you have the mental and emotional space to accommodate for further relationships.
Conclusion
Ethical non-monogamy is a broad term that encompasses many forms of relationships. There is a lot to learn about ethical non-monogamy, but it is a topic that is worth exploring. If you are considering entering into an ethical non-monogamous relationship, or if you are already in one, make sure that you do your research and communicate with your partner(s) about your needs and expectations.
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