What makes someone monogamous?

Monogamy is a relationship structure between two people that is romantically and sexually exclusive; that is, they don’t engage in this type of relationship with anyone else. In comparison, people in nonmonogamous relationships may have more than one romantic or sexual partner at a given time.

Can you force yourself to be monogamous?

While some couples who allow for more flexibility in their arrangements might consider themselves “monogamish” instead of monogamous, there’s no rule against calling yourself monogamous while retaining a little wiggle room.

Why do I want to cheat so badly?

There are a number of reasons why people get the urge to cheat, from the simple fact of convenience, to more serious issues with intimacy, sex addiction, or personality problems that should be worked through with a mental health professional.

What happens when one partner stops being monogamous?

It’s vital for the couple to mutually agree on a contract stating their agreement about monogamy, or non-monogamy. This occurs if one or both partners stray from the agreed-upon contract. The relationship would not be in trouble over the affair as much as about the contract, consciously and intentionally prepared by both partners.

Is monogamy the only way to love?

But maybe monogamy isn’t the only way to love. “I think some people are non-monogamous by orientation, and if they try to force themselves to be monogamous it’s going to hurt,” says Dr. Elisabeth Sheff, a sociologist who has written several books on polyamory. “It’s never going to feel comfortable.”

Is monogamy really the gold standard?

We are taught that monogamy is the gold standard and anything that strays from that is problematic or flat out wrong. Thus, people who are not monogamous nor want to be are judged and often seen as having something off about them.

Can jealousy work in a non-monogamous relationship?

Within the monogamous model, Dr. Sheff explains that feelings of jealousy, anxiety, or insecurity within a relationship are “almost disloyal.” So, at the very least, you should be willing to learn how to deal with your jealousy, if you are hoping to make a non-monogamous relationship work.