A relationship expert has unpacked why some couples enjoy engaging in polyamory or watching their partner sleep with someone else, following shocking moment on Channel 4's Open House: The Great Sex Experiment.
Thanks to centuries of societal norms, monogamy is the standard when it comes to romantic and sexual relationships.
However, this is something which is being encouraged to change in Western societies, with more people learning about the various types of non-monogamous relationships out there.
Reality shows such as Open House, Couple to Throuple, Seeking Sister Wife, and Polyfamily, are just a handful of numerous shows involving non-monogamy to have cropped up over the past couple of years.
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The rise in such shows has sparked curiosity about unions involving more than two people, with a relationship expert explaining why some people enjoy having multiple partners, or even watching the one they love get it on with someone else.
What are the differences between polyamory, an open relationship, and swinging?
All are forms of non-monogamy, there are differences between polyamory, an open relationship and swinging, with different partners and couples into different things.
According to poly-expert and therapist Dr. Manijeh Badiee, polyamory is 'one type of non-monogamy' defined as 'multiple loves'.
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"You have space to fall in love with multiple people," she explained.
"To have emotional connections ... romantic connections with multiple people, rather than strictly sexual connections."
Meanwhile open relationships are typically when two partners agree to pursue romantic or sexual connections with others. People in open relationships will often have a primary partner, and will sometimes engage in external hookups.
Swinging is often believed to be couples who consensually swap partners, either in a group of separately.
Non-monogamous relationships are also different to cheating or infidelity, as it involves communication and setting boundaries.
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What are the benefits of such relationships?
To a firm believer in monogamy, the above situation may would sound like their worst nightmare, but Dr Badiee explains that polyamorous individuals benefit from having more than one partner for multiple reasons.
She even revealed that research shows that polyamorous relationships can exist in long term partnerships involving children, adding: "A lot of research on people that are polyamorous with kids and long-term relationships and it really just enhances their lives."
Meanwhile, a Goop Q&A with psychologist Heath Schechinger explained that some partners will make sure to manage aspects such as jealousy through 'honest communication', while others even experience compersion - which is a term to explain the feelings of joy or happiness when seeing a partner with someone else.
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What is Open House: The Great Sex Experiment?
Polyamory is back in the headlines due to the current season of Channel 4's Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, which allows couples to explore whether or not their relationship can be enhanced outside the shackles of monogamy.
All broadcast on TV of course, so it's definitely not a show to watch with your folks.
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In a recent episode, viewers were introduced to couple Tom and Lauren, who joined the experiment in a bid to open up their relationship. However, the premise soon became rather daunting for Tom, who vomited after the topic of him and Lauren engaging in couple swapping came up.
The risky experiment ultimately paid off for the couple as well as many others, with one guy getting it on with six women in a yurt, while a pair of childhood sweethearts enjoyed a threesome.
And before you ask, yes, this show is Ofcom approved.
Topics: Channel 4, Sex and Relationships, Viral
Brenna Cooper