Should You Be Monogamous?

TL;DR

Monogamy is rare among mammals, but humans have socially imposed monogamy to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, consensually non-monogamous relationships may actually have lower rates of STIs and higher levels of trust and satisfaction.

Transcript

Monogamy, or being in a relationship with one person, is actually very uncommon among mammals. With only about 3% displaying monogamous bonding. So what's the deal with humans? Is it really better to be with one person for your entire life? Historically humans did not practice monogamy. The anthropological record indicates that tens of thousands of... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Monogamy is rare among mammals, with only about 3% displaying monogamous bonding.
• 🪡 The shift towards socially imposed monogamy in human societies was likely driven by the need to minimize the risk of STIs.
• 🧔‍♀️ Estimates of infidelity among married Americans range from 21% to 57% for men and 11% to 35% for women.
• 😘 Consensually non-monogamous relationships may have lower rates of STIs and higher levels of trust and satisfaction compared to monogamous relationships.
• 😘 Jealousy is lower and trust is higher in individuals who are not monogamous.
• 🙈 Society tends to view consensually non-monogamous relationships negatively, while monogamous relationships are seen as more loving, committed, and satisfying.
• 🥰 Personal preferences for monogamy or non-monogamy can vary, and both can lead to committed, satisfying, and loving relationships.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did humans adopt socially imposed monogamy?

It is believed that as human societies grew larger and more populated, the risk of STIs increased, leading to the adoption of monogamy as a means to control and reduce the spread of infections.

Q: Are monogamous relationships more likely to experience infidelity?

Yes, studies have shown that a significant portion of married Americans engage in infidelity, with estimates ranging from 21% to 57% for men and 11% to 35% for women.

Q: Do individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships practice safer sex?

Yes, individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships are more likely to use condoms, undergo regular STI testing, and openly discuss external sexual encounters with their primary partner, reducing the risk of STI transmission.

Q: Do consensually non-monogamous relationships have higher levels of trust and satisfaction?

Yes, studies have found that individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships have lower levels of jealousy and higher levels of trust, suggesting that these relationships can be just as fulfilling as monogamous ones.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Monogamy is uncommon among mammals, but humans adopted it to prevent the spread of STIs as societies became larger and more densely populated.

• Many people claim to be in monogamous relationships but engage in infidelity, with estimates of cheating ranging from 21% to 57% for men and 11% to 35% for women.

• Consensually non-monogamous relationships may have lower rates of STIs, as individuals are more likely to practice safer sex, undergo regular testing, and communicate openly about external sexual encounters.