ABSTRACT
Consensual nonmonogamy is a newly acknowledged growing phenomenon in the western world. Professed monogamy has been the accepted mainstream norm for centuries in western culture, but mainstream life in the world has actually been different. The reasons why couples in the past stayed together for a lifetime likely had less to do with happiness and frequent sex, than law. Monogamy needs updating. Little is offered culturally that helps modern couples make a success of traditional marriage. Other models are a response to cultural evolution; consensual nonmonogamy is part of this process. Some people can and do have lifelong, happy, sexually monogamous relationships. With the exception of stigma and scarcity of help, these problems are also seen frequently in traditional monogamous relationships. Sexuality clinicians must keep up with science and application in the field of sexology as well as continuing education in their licensure field.
