In such a relationship, both partners ’see’ only each other and are generally faithful, loyal, and exclusive towards one another. To understand the concept of monogamy more clearly, let us summarize the major differences between monogamous and polyamorous relationships.
What Is The Difference Between Monogamy And Polyamory?
Let us now look at what you should do if you wish to be in a monogamous relationship.
Top Tips To Explore Monogamy
If you think you are the monogamous type and wish to actively embrace a monogamous relationship, here are a few tips for you:
Communication is key – it’s always important to kindly and respectfully express your feelings and absolutely avoid any form of judgment. This contributes to good health and the improvement of the relationship itself. Talk to them early on in the relationship about what you both will do if one or both partners end up cheating. The end goal is to ensure that you and your partner can set the right expectations about where you see the relationship heading. This helps avoid confusion, regret, and uncertainty. Establish rules for consensual monogamy right at the beginning of your relationship, so that there are no surprises later for either of you. Think long and hard about what your ’ideal partner’ looks like. Then, think about whether you would be willing to share them with others. If the answer is no, monogamy is for you.
But what if monogamy is not a good idea for your relationship? What are some of the tell-tale traits of partners that exhibit polyamorous behavior? What signs and red flags can you evaluate or reflect upon? Keep reading to know more.
Signs That Monogamy Might Be A Problem In Your Current Relationship
Certain signs can tell that a monogamous relationship might not be for you and that you and your partner would be happy experimenting with polyamory. Such signs include the following: If you have felt some or all of the signs mentioned above, being in a monogamous relationship can make you feel trapped and lead to issues like breakup, infidelity, separation, or divorce. This is why ensuring that a consistent dialogue happens between both partners is of prime importance. You might want to dive into a more unconventional type of relationship and start by either:
Speaking with each other about currents needs and wants Talking about it in couple’s therapy Exploring polyamory together
We hear of silver screen romances where couples have been happily married for decades. It may make you wonder if a satisfying long-term monogamous relationship is even possible in the real world today. Let us explore this in more detail below.
Is A Monogamous Relationship Realistic In The Modern World?
Yes, monogamy is still a realistic expectation for human beings. But many people are wired to be polyamorous in nature and may not be satisfied in a monogamous setting. A rewarding relationship means something different for all of us, and being committed to one person forever is not everyone’s idea of happiness. Moreover, people’s needs (and expectations) from the relationship keep changing, and people themselves keep evolving. Sometimes, monogamous couples may want to have a sexual encounter with other people. On the other hand, polyamorous partners may long for a more long-term, committed, and exclusive relationship. At the end of the day, constant and honest communication is what matters most. Having a monogamous relationship is certainly possible as long as both you and your partner want it and are willing to put in the effort to make things work. Most importantly, you both should talk about your needs and wants from the relationship honestly and openly. Why is a monogamous relationship so hard? Monogamy is a social construct and hence may contradict biologically driven sexual urges. Companionship and shared responsibilities may run counter to lust and libido—two important factors behind sexual connections. However, not every individual finds monogamous relationships challenging, as such relationships offer security, exclusivity, safety and bonding as its rewards. Is monogamy toxic? No, monogamous relationships in themselves are not toxic or any lesser than non-monogamous relationships. However, as with all forms of relationships, it may turn toxic if healthy boundaries and healthy communication are not maintained.
References:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more. One love: explicit monogamy agreements among heterosexual young adult couples at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21191869
One love: explicit monogamy agreements among heterosexual young adult couples at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21191869
