Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) occurs when a couple acknowledges that they are unable to meet each other’s sexual needs and grant each other permission to seek out sexual gratification outside of the marriage. There are three main categories of CNM:
- Swinging, in which one couple swaps partners with another couple, often within the privacy of one of their homes, but sometimes in swingers’ clubs that can be found in all major cities.
- Open marriage, in which each spouse is granted permission to seek out additional sex partners, typically within certain restrictions as agreed upon by the couple.
- Polyamory, which involves a primary relationship plus additional long-term relationships that each spouse maintains; usually, all members of the polyamorous network are on friendly terms with each other.