Non-monogamy - meaning and definition
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Definition
An umbrella term for any relationship style in which people are not exclusive to one partner.
At a glance
- An umbrella term for any relationship style that is not exclusive to one partner.
- It includes open relationships, swinging, polyamory and relationship anarchy.
- On its own it does not say whether everyone involved agrees.
- Adding ethical or consensual makes the agreement explicit.
In detail
Non-monogamy covers a wide range of arrangements, from open relationships and swinging to polyamory and relationship anarchy. On its own, the term does not say whether everyone involved knows and agrees; that is why many people add the word "ethical" or "consensual" to make agreement explicit.
People are drawn to non-monogamy for many reasons, including a desire for more than one loving connection, sexual variety, personal freedom or a belief that one partner cannot meet every need. Research suggests that satisfaction in consensual non-monogamous relationships is broadly comparable to that in monogamous ones.
In a sentence
- I'm curious about non-monogamy, but I'd want us to read about it together first.
- Non-monogamy covers a lot of styles, so tell me what it means for you.
Not to be confused with
- Infidelity
Infidelity breaks an agreement, while consensual non-monogamy is an agreement.
Common questions
Is non-monogamy the same as cheating?
Not in its ethical or consensual forms, where everyone knows and agrees. Cheating means breaking an agreement in secret. Because the plain word non-monogamy does not say which is meant, many people add ethical or consensual.
Are people in non-monogamous relationships less happy?
Research so far suggests that satisfaction in consensual non-monogamous relationships is broadly similar to that in monogamous ones. Communication and genuine agreement seem to matter more than the structure.