Intro to Non-monogamy

What is an Open Relationship?

Non-monogamy is an umbrella term used for relationship arrangements where one or more partners are not sexually and/or romantically exclusive to each other. This term covers various styles like polyamory, open relationships, and swinging, all characterized by consensual, non-exclusive relationships. The keyword here is consensual. This means that everyone involved agrees to the arrangements of the relationship.

Let's go over some of the common types of relationships that fall under the consensual non-monogamy umbrella:

• Open Relationships: A committed relationship where partners agree to allow for sexual and/or emotional intimacy with others.

• Polyamory: Seeking or having multiple committed, intimate relationships. This can be one or both partners who have other relationships. Those partners may or may not have other relationships as well. In a couple, one person may be monogamous, while the other is poly.

• Swinging: A type of CNM where couples engage in sexual experiences with others.

Other CNM Styles:

• Monogamish: A term used to describe relationships that are primarily monogamous but allow for some degree of flexibility in terms of sexual or romantic experiences outside the primary partnership.

• Hierarchical Polyamory: A polyamorous relationship where one partner is considered the primary or "main" partner, with other partners ranked or prioritized accordingly.

• Non-Hierarchical Polyamory: A polyamorous relationship where all partners are considered equal, with no hierarchy or ranking.

• Solo Polyamory: A person who chooses not to take on some of the more "traditional" monogamous relationship steps, such as living with another person, sharing finances, or having children, while still engaging in multiple relationships.

• Polyfidelity: A type of polyamory where partners are sexually exclusive within the group of relationships they are in, but may have romantic or emotional relationships with others.

• Relationship Anarchy: A relationship style where there are no set rules or expectations, and each relationship is unique and independent.

• Triad/Quad: A relationship structure involving three or four people in a romantic and/or sexual relationship.

There are more types of relationships, and if none of these work for you, you can make up your own rules. There is no right or wrong way to do non-monogamy as long as everyone involved consents. Each person involved has consented to all of these relationship styles. The expectation is that the partner(s) will follow any agreements made. Everyone in the relationship can set boundaries and expectations, which are communicated to others(s). Remember, boundaries are things you put in place for yourself. They are not placed on others. An example of a boundary is, “If you have intercourse with someone without protection, I will not have intercourse with you until you have been tested and can show negative results.”

When considering these relationship styles, it's best to do your own research.

If you’re interested in exploring non-monogamy, go to this post where we dive more into it.