ABSTRACT
Everyone has the same amount of time. Not all have the same number of relationships. The busy single person often feels there’s never enough time. Traditional couples can be overwhelmed with life’s demands and pass like ships in the night. Add children, and the couple may feel like roommates and parents, with little or no self or couple time. Now add more adult relationships, and quality time is beyond stretched. Those who make consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) work should include time management skills when designing their arrangements. Problems with time in CNM may involve many issues which often overlap. Sorting these out means untangling balls of intertwined problems, events, people, emotions, and behaviors. Examined in depth are these common concerns of CNM partners: Making time for everyone; compromising, prioritizing, and flexibility; and quality of shared time. How are these concerns impacted by the style and type of CNM formats? Outlined as well are assessment guidelines and the clinician’s role in helping with time management. Case examples include expanded monogamy and polyamorous partners.
