It is normal in modern dating and relationship worlds for people to speak to and see multiple people at the same time. We are not going to talk about why someone would engage in such behavior, but we will focus on the ENM relationship, which accepts this type of behaviour.

It is possible that you have never heard of this term, or perhaps someone mentioned it in their Tinder bio.

Let’s not waste any more time as we explain the basics of an ENM relationship and their workings. It could even be the perfect thing to boost your love life.

What is an ENM relationship?

An ENM relationship is an Ethical Non Monogamous relationship. This is a relationship in which one party is romantically involved with another person. Ethical Non-Monogamy can be used to describe a wide range of relationship types. We’ll get into more detail.

ENM relationships differ from conventional non-monogamy. This is also known infidelity or cheating. This is when one of the partners doesn’t consent to the other having a romantic or intimate relationship.

It is accepted that ethical non-monogamy allows those involved to search for other romantic or sexual partners. An ENM relationship could include a “friends-with-benefits” relationship.

ENM relationships have become a popular trend in recent years. However, they could be considered a way for someone to cheat on their partner. It doesn’t matter how sneaky you are if they consent to your sleeping with other people. That sounds great, right?

If you are someone who is averse to the idea of someone (or all) being truly happy in an ENM relationship, it’s worth noting that men in relationships have a better chance at living healthier lives than single men.

These findings are likely to be related to monogamous relationships. However, if an ENM is established, agreed to, and successful, then there’s no reason why a man shouldn’t live a happy life.

Types of ENM Relationship

An ENM relationship, as we said earlier, is a broad term. It covers many relationship types, including polyamory, open relationships, and swinging.

Open Relationship

Open relationships are those where the two parties involved in a relationship freely agree to meet other people. Sometimes, one partner may not want to be open while the other is happy with the relationship. While this can cause problems in the relationship, it is possible to have a healthy one-to-one relationship if both partners are happy to see other people.

Open relationships do not have to be sexual or romantic. It could be that the couple just wants to be able meet, talk to, and maybe even flirt with other people. To make an open relationship work, both partners must agree on a set of rules that govern what each other can and cannot do. These rules can be modified if necessary to ensure that both the original and the new couple are happy.

Polyamory

Polyamorous relationships are different from other types ENM relationships in that they seek more intimate and romantic relationships with others. It is common in some cultures to accept that a person can be married to more than one partner and have loving relationships with all of them.

Polyamory could also be defined as a person who dates multiple people at the same time. There is also the term “polyfidelity”, which refers to three people who have a committed relationship and don’t date anyone outside of that group. This is sometimes called a “throuple”.

Swinging

Swinging relationships allow one or both of the partners to share sexual experiences with other people. These relationships are casual and should not be considered open relationships.

Polyamory is different from swinging because those who engage in swinging do not form romantic connections with other people. It is casual.

Why do people have ENM relationships?

This question can be answered quickly by saying that it is not your business. It’s up to the individual to decide what they do with their private lives.

If you are interested in a non-monogamous, ethical relationship but want to know more about the reasoning behind it, the following information may be helpful:

Explore one’s sexuality. In traditional committed relationships you are tied to the one you love. However, people’s sexual desires, fantasies, and preferences may change over time. A ENM relationship allows the couple to fulfill any wishes they have without having to end their relationship.

It is not possible to satisfy all your needs. While you might love their company and the support they offer, your partner may not be satisfying when it comes to your bedroom antics. Both parties can agree to a non-monogamous, ethical relationship that allows them to search for other partners to fill those voids.

How to have a successful ENM relationship

Communication. Communication. More communication. Both parties must have long discussions in order to fully understand their goals and how they will achieve them.

ENM relationships are not for everyone. You may still be curious about how they can be practiced and how to keep the original relationship intact, without any arguments. These relationships are just one example of what works well for one person and might not work for another.

It is quite literally each to their own.