From Monogamy to Ethical Non-Monogamy: What to Know Before You Explore

Communication and care are essential components of healthy relationships. Perhaps you are interested in exploring possibilities beyond monogamy. Maybe your partner is. Whatever the scenario, it is important to carefully discuss ethical non-monogamy before making any plans. In a romantic relationship, people need to feel heard and understood. Emotional needs should be met. Worries should not be ignored.

People in a relationship can decide how (or if) ethical non-monogamy can work for them. For instance, a monogamish relationship can provide a balance. A couple can retain the structure of monogamy. However, a monogamish relationship offers possibilities to branch out. An important topic of discussion is the emotional intensity of connections. People can discuss whether multiple romantic (loving) connections can exist within a relationship paradigm. Polyamory gives people the ability to explore having more than one love connection simultaneously. A key to polyamory is honesty between all exploring these connections.

Branching Out Beyond Monogamy

According to KlearMinds, monogamy is “a relationship with only one partner at a time.” This relationship is generally exclusive. It usually contains an emotional and/or sexual component. This relationship paradigm may well work for you. Finding a central monogamous relationship can be part of building a full life.  Michael Swerdloff states: “Many people desire to find a lifelong partner.”

Your monogamous relationship may evolve. You and your partner may be open to discussion options besides exclusive monogamy. Finding a relationship paradigm that works for you as a couple is possible. This paradigm may be monogamy. It may also be something new that you can figure out together. KlearMinds states: “Many couples practice and enjoy non-monogamous relationships.” Embracing non-monogamy could even potentially bring a couple closer. The most important factor in a relationship is conversation about comfort and enthusiasm. Both people in a couple should be happy with the way a relationship develops.

Focusing on Ethical Non-Monogamy

Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) is a possible paradigm for an evolving relationship. This relationship paradigm is also known as consensual non-monogamy. Consent is key in ethical non-monogamy. Basically, partners can decide that they are open to including new people in their relationship. Before exploring this paradigm, both partners should agree on the choice. Within the agreed-upon parameters of your relationship, you can seek out connections with other people. Michael Swerdloff stresses this should only happen with “your partner’s consent and support IN ADVANCE.”

Ethical non-monogamy can work in a variety of different ways. Couples vary in terms of how they want to explore this paradigm. Some relationships incorporating ethical non-monogamy are primarily monogamous. These relationships can be described as monogamish. A monogamish couple occasionally brings other people into the relationship. However, a basic monogamous structure remains. According to KlearMinds, a monogamish relationship is “a relationship that is a little bit open.”

Couples exploring ENM can also be polyamorous. According to Michael Swerdloff, “polyamory involves being openly involved in multiple relationships at once.” Not all versions of ENM involve simultaneously nurturing more than one romantic, loving connection. However, polyamory does. You can explore the idea of being in love with multiple people. For instance, polyamory can involve dating several people at once. Importantly, people involved in polyamory are clear and honest with one another about their relationships.

Building a Relationship that Facilitates Contentment

Communication is essential to sustaining a relationship. Whichever relationship paradigm you choose, clarity and kindness should prevail. Exploring ethical non-monogamy could be something you decide upon as a couple. Continuing to prioritize a monogamous bond can also work. Also, you can focus on your monogamous relationship while adding potential for exploration. Other people can be included in ways that suit all involved. In general, meeting the emotional needs of all people in any relationship is key. In general, meeting the emotional needs of all involved in any relationship is key. This can ensure that your choices bring joy rather than distress.