When we think about relationships and love, the first thing that comes to mind is monogamy and being together forever. This idea of forever is something that has been fed into our minds from a very young age. However, as time changes, the needs are also changing. Thus, people are openly talking about open relationships, queerplatonic, polygamy, and monogamish relationships.
Couples are willing to do anything to be able to make their relationship work. If you are also going through a rough patch, this might help your relationship. No, I am not saying that you should cheat on your partner. The term “ish” in Monogamish means that there is no clear-cut definition, and you can make things work as per your preferences.
However, if you want to understand what it is like to be in a Monogamish relationship and want to know whether it’s meant for you or not. So, keep on reading to have a better idea of this new-age love terminology.
What is a Monogamish Relationship?
If you want to enjoy an old-school relationship. In a monogamous relationship, there are no hard and fast rules. However, in a monogamish relationship, you have the stability of a monogamous relationship and still have the thrill of a non-monogamous one.
As the values, needs, and desires of people are changing. Thus, the idea of love and romance is also changing. This is why the term “Monogamish” is becoming more popular, and couples are talking openly about it. There is no universal definition for this, and that’s the best part about today’s generation. They don’t need any labels to define their relationships.
However, Monogamish is a space between monogamous and non-monogamous. You have the support and stability of your partner. Still, you can express your desires and fantasies without having to lie or cheat on your partner. This is a kind of agreement that both partners make in order to be happy in a relationship.
Couples can have their own terms according to their needs, and they can be extremely open about their desires. So, let us move on to some ground rules and impacts of monogamish relationships.
Monogamish Vs. Monogamous
We all are familiar with the concept of Monogamous or the old school relationship. In these, your love life revolves around a single person. These relationships work for a while; for some, after a while, the excitement and thrill fade away, leading to divorce. This is extremely subjective and depends on various factors and needs.
However, in monogamish relationships, you can explore and indulge in activities (sexual activities) outside your relationship. Moreover, you don’t have to lie to your partner, and you can still be in a long-term committed relationship. There are no hard and fast rules in this case.
Both partners can agree on the terms according to their needs. In this case, you have to be open about your expectations from each other and need to set some ground rules. This can help save your relationship if you are looking to add some thrill to your relationship. However, this is subjective and depends on what kind of bond you share with your partner.
Benefits of Being in a Monogamish Relationship
Today’s generation likes to be experimental and wants to fulfill their desires. However, they do not have the emotional capability to attach to more than one person. So, in this case, a monogamish relationship can be godsent. Moreover, some people are flirtatious and like to have adventures sometimes outside their relationship.
A major benefit that has been observed in a monogamish relationship is that you can set clear boundaries with your partner and be extremely transparent about your needs. This boosts trust, and it is observed that these couples have fewer trust issues. Being monogamish allows them to be vocal about their desires and have a better understanding of each other’s expectations.
Moreover, in a monogamish relationship, you prioritize each other happiness over your expectations. This way, both partners can keep the freshness and thrill alive in their relationship. So, if you think your romance has faded away with time, this might be a good choice for you.
Rules of a Monogamish Relationship
Although we have said earlier that there is no universal definition of a monogamish relationship and no clear-cut rules. This is the differential factor of being in a monogamish relationship that you can set your own rules. However, here are some things that you need to consider while agreeing on certain terms with your partner.
1. Be Honest About your Needs and Desires
Open communication is the key to a successful relationship, and don’t shy away from expressing your needs and desires. Also, ask what your partner expects from this setup. For instance, your partner might be okay with you flirting with someone else but have an issue with you going out with them.
So, be clear and have open communication. This way, you can set some ground rules and come to an agreement. For example, your partner might not want to be with someone else but don’t mind if you are indulging with anyone else. It might be a casual thing, a one-night stand, friends with benefits, or whatever your partner is okay with.
This way, you can make an agreement and set your boundaries. This also eliminates the possibility of jealousy which will help to strengthen your bond. Make sure to prioritize the happiness of your partner, and this way, you can lay the groundwork for a healthy monogamish relationship.
2. Don’t get Influenced by Others
Sometimes people just get into things just because they see other couples having a good time. Don’t jump into things without understanding their repercussions. Some things might work for some couples and not for others. So don’t force anything that you see other couples in a similar situation doing.
Set your own boundaries and analyze what is working for you. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits and also have a balance in your relationship dynamics. Only you and your partner can decide what’s best for you, so don’t get influenced by others.
3. Know your Boundaries
It’s very important to know up to what extent it’s okay for you to explore because, in the end, you are doing this to be happy in your relationship. However, emotions are something that we can’t control, and you never know when jealousy and insecurity will start affecting your partner.
So, know your boundaries and keep having honest conversations with your partner. Make sure they are comfortable with this monogamish setup. Also, you can decide mutually when it’s time to stick back to being monogamous or if you want to take a step ahead and become polygamous.
4. Be Honest with the Person you are Experimenting with
Make sure that in order to have a healthy relationship with your partner, you don’t hurt someone else. So if you are indulging in casual activities, friends with benefits, or whatever. Make sure that they are aware of your status and are okay with this.
So don’t give any false hope to people, and make sure they are aware of your intentions and expectations from this situation ship. This way, no one will get hurt by your actions, and you can enjoy being in a monogamish relationship.
5. Don’t Judge your Partner
The major ground rule of being in a monogamish setup is about keeping an open mindset. Also, if you expect your partner to understand you and your needs. Similarly, you should be open about whatever your partner wants from this relationship. So at all times, keep communicating with your partner and accept whatever they want.
Also, for instance, if your partner is not happy in this monogamish setup, you need to acknowledge that and understand their concern as well. Thus, it is extremely important to be open and honest with your partner if you want this relationship to work.
Challenges in Monogamish Relationships
Now that we know the rules and the benefits of a monogamish relationship. It is also crucial to understand the potential challenges and consequences of being in a monogamish relationship. That will help you decide whether it is meant for you or not.
One of the most common issues that couples face in a monogamish relationship is jealousy and insecurity. Initially, both of you might agree to this, but you never know when jealousy might kick in and ruin your relationship.
Moreover, if you have friends with a benefits kind of situation outside your relationship, this can trigger jealousy, and you might develop feelings for that person. No matter how practical you try to be, you can’t control your emotions. All these challenges can tear your relationship apart, and just for some temporary pleasure, you might lose the love of your life.
The Bottom Line
Matters of the heart have always been complicated, and there is no right or wrong. Moreover, in this modern-day setup, you have to build your own set of rules and value systems for your relationship. You can give monogamish relationship a try and see if it can bring the spark back into your relationship. Lastly, I would like to say that you should be aware of the consequences as well.