Ethical Non-Monogamy is just cheating…or is it?

So you stumbled across this new phrase, Ethical Non-Monogamy. You did your Google search, watched a few Tik Tok videos, and even consulted with your local energy reader. You are now ready to talk to your partner about restructuring your relationship. You are not talking about moving across the country, that could possibly be easier. You want your partner to consider opening your relationship to include other individuals in some shape, form, or fashion. Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM for short) is the umbrella term that encompasses various relationship dynamics. Some couples open their relationships to meet other couples for play and other sexual activities. Dating and emotional intimacy may or may not be involved. Some couples open up their relationships for additional emotionally intimate connections, where there is opportunity for partners to date separately and find other partners, or the couple may seek to date together and find others to join their preexisting relationship. 

ENM may look different for each relationship dynamic. What does not change is the intention of being open (pun intended). In this case open refers to honest communication. This is the key component to being able to differentiate between Ethical Non-Monagamy and cheating. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Cheating is to behave in a dishonest way in order to get what you want. You want a sneaky link? A side piece? ENM may not be for you. All cards are on the table when those involved practice Ethical Non-Monagamy. 

Healthy relationships are possible within the Ethical Non Monogamy spectrum. If you are looking to have a conversation with your partner and feel you will be met with pushback, have no fear. Having a trained relationship therapist on your wellness team could be just what you and your partner need to work through the ideas of mononormativity we all have seemingly allowed to guide our relationships at some point or another. Did you see a few other words in this post that you added to your Google list? There is just so much to learn in the ENM space. Take your time and enjoy the ride to self awareness and deeper connections with your loved ones.

Until next time,

Reketta