ABSTRACT
Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM), also known as responsible multipartnering, exists when partners have decided together to allow—and to be honest about—having more than one sexual relationship at the same time. Consensus and honesty are the hallmarks of CNM. Relationship formats include polyamory, swinging, and open relationships. Polyamory refers to loving more than one person simultaneously, including sexually, in significant ongoing relationships. Expanded monogamy is a term I use to describe married or committed couples who expand their sex lives. These may include swingers who share sex but don’t look for love relationships, couples who share sexual encounters with friends, and couples who allow extramarital relationships but who may not share partners. Every type of consensual nonmonogamy requires honesty, exists on a continuum, is hard work, has reported benefits, and exists in various formats. Each of these points and their components are discussed. Success with any form of consensual nonmonogamy may require getting professional help with personal growth, communication skills, managing jealousy, developing and maintaining boundaries and rules, maintaining family commitments, time management, self-esteem, and other factors. Some vocabulary common to CNM is listed and defined.
