What Is Consensual Non-Monogamy? A Psychologist Explains

The question "What is consensual non-monogamy?" is illustrated by a split screen of two women and two men

What is consensual non-monogamy? Is it the same as polyamory? Why are more people choosing relationships outside traditional monogamy? Consensual non-monogamy encompasses various relationship structures where partners openly agree to maintain multiple romantic or sexual connections. From open relationships to polyamory, these arrangements strive for honest communication, clear boundaries, and mutual respect among all involved. Keep reading to explore how this relationship model challenges traditional norms, promotes authenticity, and creates space for diverse expressions of intimacy.

How to Feel Secure in a Poly Relationship (Polysecure)

Two women and one man taking a walk in a neighborhood in autumn. They look secure in a poly relationship

Is it possible to build secure attachments with multiple romantic partners? How can you maintain emotional stability while nurturing several meaningful relationships? Jessica Fern’s groundbreaking book Polysecure explores the foundations of healthy polyamorous relationships. She offers practical guidance for developing secure attachments with yourself and your partners while maintaining emotional balance in consensual non-monogamy. Keep reading to learn how to feel secure in a poly relationship.

Attachment Theory & Polyamory: How the Theory Has Evolved

A close-up of a man's hand holding a woman's hand with another man in the background depicts attachment theory and polyamory

What role does attachment theory play in building polyamorous relationships? How can understanding your attachment style help you navigate multiple partnerships? In Polysecure, Jessica Fern discusses the evolution of attachment theory. Polyamory can be supported by modern interpretations of attachment theory that offer fresh perspectives on building secure bonds across various relationship structures. Keep reading to discover how attachment theory is being reinterpreted to accommodate consensual non-monogamy.

Why You Will Regret Not Living an Authentic Life

A young woman with a backpack on in a forest who is living her authentic life

Do you live authentically, or for others? Why is authentic living so important to happiness? Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, shares that one of the biggest regrets people have on their deathbed is not living an authentic life. She also provides insights into how to live more authentically in a judgemental world. Continue reading for Ware’s life-changing advice.

3 Relationship Regrets People Have at the End of Their Lives

A middle aged man in a hospital gown in a gurney who is reflecting on his relationship regrets because he's alone

Do you make an effort to keep in contact with your friends? Do you often put work before your family? Do you talk openly about your feelings? The book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying says that relationship regrets are common among the dying. Specifically, people regret putting work ahead of loved ones, not sharing their emotions, and losing touch with their friends. Here’s what you can do to avoid this common regret.

How to Create a Support System: Selling Your Dream

Two people cheering for a marathon runner in a city, showing why it's important to create a support system

How can you sell your dream to others? Why is a support system important to achieve your goals? As important as it is to motivate yourself and define the ambitions that drive you, the time will come when you have to rely on other people’s help to move forward. Therefore, a key step to achieving your dream is learning how to sell it to others so you can have supporters. Below, we’ll look at how to create a support system that will stick with you every step of the way.

How to Prevent Violence & Respond When It Can’t Be Avoided

A woman calming down an angry woman by putting her hand on her shoulder illustrates how to prevent violence

Is violence preventable? What can we do to protect ourselves and others? In The Gift of Fear, Gavin de Becker shares advice on how to prevent violence in various settings. He covers workplace safety, domestic abuse, stalking, youth violence, and attacks on public figures—offering tips for individuals and organizations to recognize warning signs and take proactive measures. Read on to discover strategies that could help keep you and your loved ones safe.

The Disadvantages of Monogamy & the Case for Non-Monogamy

One woman standing in front of two men illustrates the disadvantages of monogamy

What’s the real impact of choosing one partner for life? How does our biology align with society’s expectations about relationships? Psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary challenges traditional views on marriage and partnership, offering fresh perspectives on human connection and commitment. She believes that science and history reveal important insights about our natural capacity for lasting partnerships. Continue reading to learn about the disadvantages of monogamy and why non-monogamy resonates with some people.

The 4 Benefits of Slowing Down: What You’ll Begin to See

A man standing in a pond in the forest with his reflection in the water. He is reaping the benefits of slowing down

What are the benefits of slowing down in life? What do relationships have to do with mindfulness? In his book, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Haemin Sunim explains how when you use mindfulness, you begin to see things that were invisible before. In slowing down, you start to fully appreciate what matters in life. Here’s a look at the things you’ll start to see once you slow down in life.

Why Hiding Your Emotions Will Hurt Your Relationships

A cartoon image of a father, daughter, and mother at a dinner table. The father has a bland expression because he's hiding his emotions

Do you often hide your emotions and feelings from others? Why should you start opening up to your loved ones? One of the top regrets of the dying is that they weren’t more open about their feelings. When you try to hide your emotions from others, you’re not allowing them to know the true you. Here’s why you should be more open with your friends and family, from the book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.