Ethical monogamy is the practice of having only one relationship at a time that is carried out in an honest, authentic, genuine, caring and respectful manner.
In contrast to 'ethical non-monogamy' (and perhaps 'irresponsible monogamy'), people are emotionally and sexually involved with only one person at a time and have a strong sense of responsibility for how they impact one another's lives.
Ensuring both individuals are in a state where they feel fully informed about the others current feelings and status of their relationship is an important aspect of ethical monogamy. Regular check-in's and conversations are used to help both partners feel secure and healthy in their relationship.
This term has risen out of an era of disconnected, detached and damaging dating and relationship formats. If a relationship were to turn into an 'unethical state' or damaging place for either party, there is no longer an expectation that the relationship should continue in any way, shape or form.
The custom or practice of having one mate at a time. Each relationship may be serious and committed, or not. The term is used in contrast with strict "monogamy", which can imply just one partner over a lifetime.
A sexual relationship that doesn't disallow sexual expression or affection with other partners. This may present itself in many forms and many kinds of lifestyles including but not limited to swinging, polyamory, polygamy, open relationships, or simply couples having an occasional -threesome. Yes, even if you romantically kiss only one other person while in a sexual relationship with with someone else, you are exhibiting a behavior that is clearly not monogamy.
We're mostly monogamous but sometimes we like to invite another woman into our bed, so I guess that makes us non-monogmists.
Every year we get crazy and allow each other one night of non-monogamy action.
Monogamy is a traditional ideal in various societies, yet many people in these societies are not monogamous.
Cheating (being involved with someone else, with secrecy and deception) is a destructive way to be nonmonogamous. On the other hand, swinging and polyamory (types of responsible nonmonogamy based on the knowledge and consent of everyone involved) are viable choices for some people.
The custom or practice of eating only one type of cereal at a time. Cereal monogamists view the casual alternation of cereals, or, worse, mixing different cereals in the same bowl, to be simply wrong.
"I eat Cheerios for breakfast. I eat only Cheerios; no other cereals. Cheerios are the greatest thing since sliced bananas! Wait-- I'm out of Cheerios... time to get some more cereal... I eat Frosted Flakes for breakfast. No other cereals; just Frosted Flakes."
That's an example of cereal monogamy.
The practice of having multiple sexually or romantically committed relationships at the same time, with the consent of all partners involved, with the goal of finding a monogamous life partner. It is more time efficient than serial monogamy.