Ethical non-monogamy (ENM)
- ENM
- CNM
- consensual non-monogamy
- non-monogamy
- ethical nonmonogamy
Ethical non-monogamy covers the wide landscape of relationships involving more than two people, or open to it, with the full knowledge and consent of everyone concerned. The ethical part is what does the work: being honest with everyone involved and respecting each person's feelings and boundaries.
It is a parent term that covers open relationships, polyamory, swinging and more. For many people it involves more commitment rather than less, since every connection is meant to be honest and above board.
Explore within Ethical non-monogamy (ENM)
More specific terms that sit under this one.
- Open relationship
A committed partnership that, by mutual agreement, allows sexual or romantic connections outside the couple.
- Polyamory
The practice of having more than one loving, committed relationship at the same time, with everyone's full knowledge and consent.
- Relationship anarchy
An approach that rejects fixed hierarchies and rules between relationships, letting each connection define itself on its own terms.
- Swinging
Committed couples who socialise or play with others recreationally, together or separately, while keeping their primary bond at the centre.