ABSTRACT
The 1970s saw the development of more forms of consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) in American culture. So-called ‘free-love communes’ proliferated among those who called themselves hippies. CNM can be a solution for sexually incompatible marriages, but it can also be an avenue for self-actualization and deep exploration of self in relationships. Gay men are likelier to have nonmonogamous arrangements than heterosexual men and women and lesbians, and they do CNM a little differently. Among heterosexuals, swinging is probably the closest equivalent to the type of CNM practiced by gay men. No matter what type of CNM a couple practices, a critical feature is to maintain a sense of trust and security in the primary couple. Fortunately, people in CNM relationships don’t seem to experience jealousy as much as monogamous people; it is undoubtedly a factor in making the decision to try CNM. Although CNM can create problems for some kids, primarily around issues of stigma, the benefits usually outweigh the costs.
