What is monogamy and what is the opposite of it?
FOR many years it has been ingrained in us that finding the one and only is what it means to find true love.
While monogamy is the accepted way of living, are we as humans naturally monogamous?
What is monogamy?
Monogamy is a relationship with only one partner at a time.
It can be sexual or emotional, but it’s usually both.
Some people have difficulty staying monogamous, which can lead to infidelity, separation, breakups, and divorce.
What is the opposite of monogamy?
Polyamory is a type of relationship that allows you to have multiple romantic relationships at the same time.
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In this case, each partner is aware of the other ones.
There are three different types of polyamory:
Solo Polyamory - Involves people who don't have a primary partnership but date multiple people.
Polyfidelity - A group of three or more people have all committed to dating each other and do not date outside the group.
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Hierarchical polyamory - When someone has a primary partnership to which they devote most of their time but also have secondary and tertiary partnerships that receive less time and attention.
Is monogamy natural?
Nowadays, humans are mostly monogamous, but this has only been a thing for the past 1,000 years.
Some say a committed partnership between two people evolved for the well-being of children.
Scientists view both social and sexual monogamy in humans as a societal structure rather than a natural state.
Pepper Schwartz, a professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle told "I don't think we are a monogamous animal.
"A really monogamous animal is a goose – which never mates again even if its mate is killed."
She added, "Monogamy is invented for order and investment – but not necessarily because it's 'natural.'"
What is serial monogamy?
A serial monogamist is a person who always tends to be in a relationship.
They may not take breaks between relationships to be single or to casually date.
What is ethical non-monogamy?
Ethical non-monogamy means that the relationship is not fully monogamous and may involve having multiple sexual or romantic connections.
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However, there is understanding and consent of all parties involved.
Clear communication and mutual agreement are key components of ENM relationships.