Me and you and…someone else?
Me and you and…someone else?
Is consensual monogamy becoming a forgotten way of life? Some might say that consensual non-monogamy is the new culture. As many as two-thirds of same sex male couples have agreements in some way about permitting sex with outside partners, and many heterosexual couples are beginning to explore sexual relationships of a non-monogamous nature as well.
However, it’s not just all fun and games without rules. Couples who agree to be non-monogamous may still have rules and boundaries, and some common ones have been identified. The most important being the significance of communication. Couples typically want to know about the prospect of sex with a third person prior to it happening rather than after the fact.
Some couples put limits on the number of partners each person can have, while others may discourage partnering up with the same person on more than one occasion. There are often limits on where sex can occur; for example, not inviting a partner back to one’s home.
Couples report that adherence to boundaries and structure helps foster a stronger connection while promoting a healthy form of trust. It helps reduce stress and the need to keep secrets as it facilitates love, acceptance and honesty.
