"People get into ethical nonmonogamy (ENM) for lots of reasons, from wanting to explore new things in the bedroom to having an extra set of hands to help with dishes. And if it feels like it's on the rise, that's because it is - or at least, it's being discussed more openly. According to a 2024 survey by Match, 31% of American singles have explored nonmonogamy, up from 21% in 2014."
"Last year, nonmonogamy nonprofit Open surveyed more than 6,000 ENM people and found that some respondents prioritized friendship and community over what happens in the bedroom. Just like in monogamous dating, polyamorous people sometimes stay friends with their exes, or meet someone and skip straight to a platonic connection. For many, like-minded friends worth just as much as finding someone to take home."
"Carole and Dave, both 63, weren't seeking out swinging when they booked a trip to Cancún 18 years ago - they were just looking for a fun, adults-only escape. They stayed at a resort called Temptation, drawn to its promise of an open-minded, anything-goes atmosphere. While the hotel doesn't explicitly market itself to those in the "lifestyle" (as it's called), it's well-known as a hot spot for swingers."
""We got chatting with this British couple on a beach bed next to us, and they told us about the lifestyle. We tried it with them and with another couple. It was a very successful vacation for us!" she says. After that, they never looked back. "Every experience we come away from makes us better, stronger.""
Two couples spend hours at dinner with familiar conversation, but the setting comes from a swingers resort where sex is not planned for the night. Ethical nonmonogamy includes many motivations beyond sex, including exploration and practical support. Interest appears to be growing, with a 2024 Match survey reporting that 31% of American singles have explored nonmonogamy, up from 21% in 2014. A 2023 Open survey of more than 6,000 ENM people found that some prioritize friendship and community over bedroom outcomes. Polyamorous people may remain friends with exes or form immediate platonic connections, valuing like-minded friends as highly as finding a partner. Carole and Dave describe trying swinging during an adults-only trip and continuing because the experiences made them feel better and stronger.
Read at Bustle
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