Consensual non-monogamy (CNM), and its subset ethical non-monogamy (ENM), are the practice of non-monogamous intimate or sexual relations that are distinguished from

infidelity Infidelity (synonyms include cheating, straying, adultery, being unfaithful, two-timing, or having an affair) is a violation of a couple's emotional and/or sexual exclusivity that commonly results in feelings of anger, sexual jealousy, and ri ...

by the knowledge and consent of those involved, and from

polygamy Crimes Polygamy (from Late Greek (') "state of marriage to many spouses") is the practice of marrying multiple spouses. When a man is married to more than one wife at the same time, sociologists call this polygyny. When a woman is marri ...

by the various partners not being in a single marriage. Forms of consensual non-monogamy include swinging,

polyamory Polyamory () is the practice of, or desire for, romantic relationships with more than one partner at the same time, with the informed consent of all partners involved. People who identify as polyamorous may believe in open relationships wi ...

, open relationships, cuckquean fetishism and cuckolding fetishism. Consensual non-monogamy can take many different forms, depending on the needs and preferences of the individuals involved in specific relationships. As of 2019, over one fifth of the United States population has, at some point in their lives, engaged in some sort of consensual non-monogamy. It is common for swinging and open couples to maintain

emotional Emotions are mental states brought on by neurophysiological changes, variously associated with thoughts, feelings, behavioral responses, and a degree of pleasure or displeasure. There is currently no scientific consensus on a definition. ...

monogamy while engaging in extra-dyadic sexual relations. Swinging: Pushing the Boundaries of Monogamy? Similarly, the friend/partner boundary in forms of consensual non-monogamy other than polyamory is typically fairly clear. Unlike other forms of non-monogamy, though, "polyamory is notable for privileging emotional intimacy with others." Polyamory is distinguished from some other forms of ethical non-monogamy in that the relationships involved are loving intimate relationships, as opposed to purely sexual relationships.

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See also