Non-monogamy

Non-monogamy is a type of interpersonal relationship in which sexual exclusivity is not held as the primary fundamental premise of the relationship. Individuals may form multiple and simultaneous sexual or romantic bonds. This can be contrasted with its opposite, monogamy, and yet it can manifest in a variety of forms, including polyamory, polygamy, polyandry, polygyny, and swinging.

Types of Non-monogamy

Non-monogamy can be broken down into a few broad categories, including open relationships, polyamory, swinging, and polygamy. Each of these types has its own unique set of rules and guidelines that differentiate it from the others.

Open Relationships

An open relationship is a committed relationship where the partners agree that each may engage in extramarital sexual relationships, without this being regarded as infidelity. There are several types of open relationships, such as swinging and polyamory.

Polyamory

Polyamory is the practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the informed consent of all partners involved. It has been described as "consensual, ethical, and responsible non-monogamy".

Swinging

Swinging, also known as wife swapping, husband swapping or partner swapping, is a non-monogamous behavior in which both singles and partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with others as a recreational or social activity.

Polygamy

Polygamy is the practice of marrying multiple spouses. When a man is married to more than one wife at the same time, sociologists call this polygyny. When a woman is married to more than one husband at a time, it is called polyandry.

See Also

• Monogamy
• Infidelity
• Casual sex
• Free love
• Group sex
• Human sexual activity
• Human sexuality
• Love
• Marriage
• Romantic love
• Sexual ethics
• Sexual revolution

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  Map illustrating various forms of non-monogamy.
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  Diagram showing the interconnected relationships in polyamory.
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