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Alternative relationship models are non-traditional ways of structuring romantic or intimate relationships, often based on principles such as non-monogamy, consensual non-exclusivity, or egalitarianism.
Alternative relationships are becoming popular due to increased social acceptance, greater awareness and discussion of non-traditional relationship models, and a desire for greater autonomy and flexibility in intimate relationships.
A Primer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IzcpH-CLkM This video is a good introduction to polyamory, explaining what it is, why people choose it, and some of the benefits and challenges.
Definition: A form of consensual non-monogamy that allows individuals to have multiple romantic and/or sexual relationships simultaneously.
Characteristics: Emphasis on communication, transparency, and consent among all parties involved.
Reference: Anapol, D. (2010). Polyamory in the 21st century: Love and intimacy with multiple partners. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Consensual non-monogamous relationships based on communication, transparency, and mutual agreement among all partners.
Reference: Sheff, E. (2014). The polyamorists next door: Inside multiple-partner relationships and families. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Benefits: Increased emotional support, diverse experiences, more love and intimacy.
Challenges: Jealousy, time management, societal stigma.
Reference: Barker, M. (2017). Rewriting the rules: An integrative guide to love, sex and relationships. Routledge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YP5qyldjr4 This video provides an overview of open relationships, including their defining characteristics and some of the benefits and challenges
Definition: A relationship in which partners are allowed to have sexual and/or romantic relationships with people outside of the relationship.
Characteristics: Requires honest communication, boundary-setting, and consent.
Reference: Barker, M. (2018). Rewriting the rules: An integrative guide to love, sex and relationships. Routledge.
Partners engage in romantic and/or sexual relationships with other people outside of the relationship, with a focus on honesty and consent.
Reference: Conley, T. D., Moors, A. C., Matsick, J. L., & Ziegler, A. (2013). The fewer the merrier? Assessing stigma surrounding consensually non-monogamous romantic relationships. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 13(1), 1-30.
Benefits: Freedom to explore and express, potential for growth and self-discovery.
Challenges: Jealousy, insecurity, communication difficulties.
Reference: Moors, A. C., Conley, T. D., Edelstein, R. S., & Chopik, W. J. (2014). Attached to monogamy? Avoidance predicts willingness to engage (but not actual engagement) in consensual non-monogamy. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 31(3), 298-326.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKjJlW5iuJw This video explains what swinging is, how it works in practice, and some of the benefits and challenges.
Definition: A form of consensual non-monogamy in which partners agree to engage in sexual activities with others as a couple.
Characteristics: Focus on sexual exploration and experimentation as a couple.
Reference: Gould, R. (2013). The lifestyle: A look at the erotic rites of swingers. University of Michigan Press.
Couples engage in sexual activities with other couples or individuals, often in the context of social events or parties.
Reference: Jenks, R. J., & Milrod, C. (2018). Swinging: A review of the literature. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(2), 377-394.
Benefits: New experiences and sexual variety, potential for enhanced communication and trust.
Challenges: Jealousy, managing multiple relationships, societal stigma.
Reference: Lehmiller, J. J., & Agnew, C. R. (2006). Marginalized relationships: The impact of social disapproval on romantic relationship commitment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 32(1), 40-51.
Definition: A form of non-monogamy in which partners agree to be sexually and/or romantically exclusive to a specific group of people.
Characteristics: Emphasis on building a deep emotional connection with a small group of partners.
Reference: Veaux, F., & Rickert, E. (2014). More than two: A practical guide to ethical polyamory. Thorntree Press.
A closed group of individuals maintain exclusive sexual and/or romantic relationships with one another, with a focus on building deep emotional connections.
Reference: Veaux, F., & Rickert, E. (2014). More than two: A practical guide to ethical polyamory. Thorntree Press.
Benefits: Deep emotional connections, increased emotional support, exclusivity within a group.
Challenges: Managing multiple relationships, time and energy management, potential for conflict.
Reference: Veaux, F., & Rickert, E. (2014). More than two: A practical guide to ethical polyamory. Thorntree Press.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leEzjK6J4G8 This video explores the concept of relationship anarchy, its defining characteristics, and some of the benefits and challenges
Definition: A philosophy that rejects the societal norms and rules around relationships, and emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and freedom in forming relationships.
Characteristics: No set rules or expectations around relationships, and a focus on creating connections based on individual needs and desires.
Reference: Easton, D., & Hardy, J. W. (2017). The ethical slut: A practical guide to polyamory, open relationships, and other adventures. Ten Speed Press.
Rejecting traditional relationship norms and creating connections based on individual desires and needs, with a focus on autonomy and freedom.
Reference: Easton, D., & Hardy, J. W. (2017). The ethical slut: A practical guide to polyamory, open relationships, and other adventures. Ten Speed Press.
Benefits: Autonomy, freedom, creating individualized connections.
Challenges: Lack of societal structure and support, communication difficulties, navigating multiple connections.
Reference: Easton, D., & Hardy, J. W. (2017). The ethical slut: A practical guide to polyamory, open relationships, and other adventures. Ten Speed Press.
Definition: A form of non-monogamy in which an individual maintains multiple intimate relationships, but does not prioritize creating a traditional, cohabiting partnership.
Characteristics: Focus on independence, autonomy, and building relationships based on individual desires and needs.
Reference: Winston, A. (2020). Solo polyamory: The art of loving boldly. Thorntree Press.
Maintaining multiple intimate relationships without prioritizing a traditional, cohabiting partnership, with a focus on independence and autonomy.
Reference: Winston, A. (2020). Solo polyamory: The art of loving boldly. Thorntree Press.
Benefits: Independence, autonomy, ability to prioritize personal goals and needs.
Challenges: Navigating societal expectations, potential for loneliness, communication difficulties.
Reference: Winston, A. (2020). Solo polyamory: The art of loving boldly. Thorntree Press.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHgMk8pZmFM This video provides an introduction to asexuality and aromanticism, including what these terms mean, how they are experienced, and some common misconceptions.
Definition: A relationship in which one or more partners identify as asexual and may not experience sexual attraction or desire.
Characteristics: Focus on emotional intimacy, communication, and finding alternative ways to express intimacy.
Reference: Bogaert, A. F. (2015). Understanding asexuality. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Building intimate relationships without a focus on sexual activity, with a focus on emotional intimacy and finding alternative ways to express intimacy.
Reference: Decker, B. K. (2014). Asexuality and sexual orientation: Two distinct concepts. The Oxford handbook of sexual identity.
Benefits: Focus on emotional intimacy, alternative expressions of intimacy, building deep connections without pressure for sex.
Challenges: Navigating societal expectations, potential for mismatched desires, communication difficulties.
Reference: Scherrer, K. S., & Puhl, R. M. (2017). Sexual minority stigma and health: The relationship between experienced stigma and health outcomes among sexual minorities. Journal of Health Psychology, 22(11), 1449-1463.
Communication is essential in alternative relationships to establish and maintain healthy relationships, manage jealousy and conflicts, and ensure consent. (Barker, 2017)
To establish and maintain clear boundaries in alternative relationships, partners should have open and honest communication, regularly check in with each other, respect each other's needs and limits, and be willing to renegotiate boundaries when necessary. (Veaux & Rickert, 2014)
Reference: Easton, D., & Hardy, J. W. (2017). The ethical slut: A practical guide to polyamory, open relationships, and other adventures. Ten Speed Press.