Ethical Non-Monogamy
There are numerous different ways to practice ethical non-monogamy, all of which involve open communication between all parties involved.Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) is the practice of taking part in romantic relationships that are not completely exclusive between two people.
Relationship Defined
According to Better Help “ethical non-monogamy, or an ENM relationship, means having multiple sex partners or romantic relationships. It is worth noting that to be ethical, a mutual understanding or agreement must be reached beforehand. To practice ethical non-monogamy safely, both parties must understand the different types of relationships.”Non-monogamy involves letting go of these feelings to experience more love.What separates ethical non-monogamy from cheating is that no matter what type of ethical non-monogamy you practice in your relationship, both people in the relationship consent to it.
Why Ethical Non-Monogamy Works
According to Very Well Mind Ethical non-monogamy is an umbrella term. That means that an assortment of different individual relationship models fall under the broad definition of it.For those who wish to explore their sexual identity by experimenting with people of a different gender than their partner, ENM makes sense because it doesn't require them to give up their relationship in order to become better in touch with their sexual identity.people who practice ENM have the freedom to look outside their relationship for others who may have similar sexual or romantic interests that their partner doesn't.There are people who are capable of loving multiple people at once and who feel more satisfied in life when they are able to do that.
How to Discuss ENM
When two people in a monogamous relationship engage in any form of cheating it is not considered ethical because the monogamous people did not agree to such an act.In ethically non monogamous relationships, it's important to follow a contract to be successful, you and your partner must agree to a contract. This contract will outline what does and does not count as infidelity, and both must be equally on board.In reality, there should be open communication and an open discussion of boundaries. All people involved in ENM reveal as much as they agree to in the contract.Different forms of ethical non monogamy include :
swinging :when couples exchange partners
Polyamory :when someone is in an open relationship with multiple people at once.
Realationship Anarchy :Relationship anarchy wants to judge the value of relationships on a case-by-case basis, independent of sex.
Polyfidelity:polyfidelity agrees that all members in their relationship are equal.
Polygamy: be considered a polygamist, you must marry more than one person.
Polyandry & Polygyny:Polyandry involves a wife having multiple husbands. Whereas polygyny involves a husband having multiple wives.
Nothing is more important to a successful ethically non-monogamous relationship than open communication. Before embarking on the journey of a new relationship style, you and your partner should make sure you are on the same page about what you both want.