Monogamy has long been considered the norm, with people thinking it as the best way to maintain a happy relationship. In this day and age, however, opinions are beginning to vary.

There are so many arguments for non-monogamous relationships, and why they might be better when it comes to personal happiness. In this article, we discuss the reasons why monogamy might not be the best option for happiness for everyone.

1. Unattainable Expectations

One of the major reasons why monogamy might not be the best option for happiness is the expectation of being everything to your partner. This concept of ‘happily ever after,’ with just one person, puts a lot of pressure on both partners.

Monogamous relationships are demanding, and come with certain responsibilities of constantly giving without the promise of reciprocation.

2. Boredom and Routine

Another reason why monogamy might not be the best option for happiness is the lack of variety. In long-term monogamous relationships, partners tend to follow a routine, doing the same things over and over again.

Engaging in new experiences, and exploring new interests is what keeps things fresh and exciting in a romantic relationship. This constant search for exploration and discovery may be difficult to achieve in monogamous relationships.

3. Sexual Incompatibility

Sexual incompatibility is a common issue in monogamous relationships, which leads to dissatisfaction for one or both partners.

Sexual compatibility is a crucial aspect of a relationship that needs to be addressed, but can be difficult to maintain over time in monogamous relationships. In non-monogamous relationships, there can be room for exploration and experimentation, which can help remedy this problem.

4. Resentment and Jealousy

Jealousy and resentment are natural human emotions. While these feelings can be magnified in non-monogamous relationships, the pressure to remain monogamous can also cause resentment and jealousy.

The pressure to be everything to your partner can trigger insecurities, and when they see their partner conversing with other people, this can lead to feelings of jealousy. In non-monogamous relationships, the occurrence of jealousy may still happen, but partners have the opportunity to explore these emotions in an open and honest way, rather than repressing them.

5. Freedom and Autonomy

At its core, monogamous relationships are meant to be exclusive, with both partners only having sexual and emotional ties with each other. This can create a sense of dependency, which can be detrimental to personal freedom and autonomy.

In non-monogamous relationships, partners have more freedom to pursue their interests, hobbies and relationships, and this can actually benefit and strengthen their relationships with primary partners.

6. Less Pressure to Fit into Societal Expectations

While society has come a long way in terms of tolerating non-monogamous relationships, people in these situations are still stigmatized and judged harshly.

Monogamy is still considered the norm, and people in non-monogamous relationships are seen as “deviant” in some way. Being in a non-monogamous relationship can allow people to be free from the pressure to conform to societal expectations, and openly express their true selves.

7. Honesty and Openness

Monogamous relationships can create a culture of dishonesty, simply because of the expectations placed on partners to constantly live up to their partners’ expectations.

In non-monogamous relationships, people have the freedom to communicate more openly about their needs, wants, and desires. This honesty and openness can lead to stronger connections between partners in non-monogamous relationships.

8. More Opportunities for Personal Fulfillment

In non-monogamous relationships, partners have more opportunities to develop their own personal relationships and fulfill their own needs outside of their primary relationships.

This can help to create a sense of personal satisfaction, which can enhance the overall happiness of a relationship. In contrast, monogamy can often times feel claustrophobic, especially when partners feel tied down to their primary relationships, and can lead to feelings of resentment.

9. Redefining the Relationship

The pressure to maintain a standard monogamous relationship can be quite stressful for people, especially those who don’t conform to traditional gender norms.

In non-monogamous relationships, partners are free to redefine their relationships in compromising and creative ways. Queer and non-binary people often create unique and unconventional partnership models, which can be difficult to achieve in monogamous relationships.

10. Possibility to Overcome Commitment Phobia

Alternatively, some people suffer from commitment phobia, which prevents them from enjoying the benefits of a monogamous relationship.

Non-monogamous relationships can provide a less threatening entry point into relationship building, which can help to create opportunities for the growth of stable, long-term relationships.

Conclusion

Thus, while monogamy might be the preferred method of being in a romantic relationship for some, it may not be the best way for everyone to achieve happiness in their relationship. People have different needs, desires, and lifestyles.

Therefore, it’s important to be open-minded and create personalized relationships that cater to individual needs and personality.