| The alternative to monogamy doesn't have to be infidelity or "swinging" of course. I have three friends who have been in a loving, sexual relationship for the past two years. They live in the same house, share the same (very large) bed, and appear to have similar affection for each other.
With regards open relationships, I entered into one a long time ago but it ended quickly because the situation was so insecure (not just from my perspective, I think). I've also seen a friend go into one and end up devastated when his (by then long-term) partner dumped him in favour of one of their sexual interests.
Maybe some of us aren't wired up to be exclusive to one individual for a lifetime. My monogamous relationships seem to last three/four years tops if I'm lucky. But the pattern of numerous exclusive relationships over long periods of time, instead of a single, lifelong relationship, is proving less destructive (emotionally) than I thought it would. |