Redefining Relationships: Pillars of Ethical Non-Monogamy

Oct 15

Written By Anna Halliday, LMHC-QS, CST

Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) is about building open, loving, and consensual connections with multiple people. It’s a relationship style where everyone involved knows what's going on and agrees to it, creating a sense of trust and openness that allows for authentic connections.

Here are some key principles that make ENM work:

Clear Consent: Everyone is on the same page. All partners give their enthusiastic "yes" to the dynamic, with no pressure or secrecy involved.
Honesty & Communication: Open, honest conversations are the foundation of ENM. It’s about sharing your feelings, needs, and desires, even when it feels tough.
Respecting Boundaries: Every relationship is unique, and it’s important to honor each person’s boundaries. These are ongoing conversations to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
Compersion: Compersion is feeling joy when your partner is happy with someone else. It's a beautiful way to embrace love in all its forms without jealousy getting in the way.
Intentional Love & Care: Balancing multiple relationships requires mindfulness, time, and care. Nurturing each connection, while taking care of yourself, is key to making it all work.

Ethical non-monogamy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. The goal is to create loving, honest, and fulfilling connections that feel right for everyone involved.

Anna Halliday, LMHC-QS, CST

Anna earned Master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of Miami. She is also a Certified Sex Therapist and Kink-Conscious Professional.

Anna has training and experience working with culturally diverse clients coping with relationship issues, sexuality, gender identity exploration, trauma, loss, anxiety, and depression. In addition to her clinical work, she enjoys writing psychology-related blogs focused on self-care, mental health, relationships, and personal growth.

https://www.hstherapycollective.com/annas-bio

Redefining Relationships: Pillars of Ethical Non-Monogamy

Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) is about building open, loving, and consensual connections with multiple people. It’s a relationship style where everyone involved knows what's going on and agrees to it, creating a sense of trust and openness that allows for authentic connections.

Here are some key principles that make ENM work:

Clear Consent: Everyone is on the same page. All partners give their enthusiastic "yes" to the dynamic, with no pressure or secrecy involved.

Honesty & Communication: Open, honest conversations are the foundation of ENM. It’s about sharing your feelings, needs, and desires, even when it feels tough.

Respecting Boundaries: Every relationship is unique, and it’s important to honor each person’s boundaries. These are ongoing conversations to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

Compersion: Compersion is feeling joy when your partner is happy with someone else. It's a beautiful way to embrace love in all its forms without jealousy getting in the way.

Intentional Love & Care: Balancing multiple relationships requires mindfulness, time, and care. Nurturing each connection, while taking care of yourself, is key to making it all work.

Ethical non-monogamy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. The goal is to create loving, honest, and fulfilling connections that feel right for everyone involved.

Redefining Relationships: Pillars of Ethical Non-Monogamy

Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) is about building open, loving, and consensual connections with multiple people. It’s a relationship style where everyone involved knows what's going on and agrees to it, creating a sense of trust and openness that allows for authentic connections.

Here are some key principles that make ENM work:

Clear Consent: Everyone is on the same page. All partners give their enthusiastic "yes" to the dynamic, with no pressure or secrecy involved.

Honesty & Communication: Open, honest conversations are the foundation of ENM. It’s about sharing your feelings, needs, and desires, even when it feels tough.

Respecting Boundaries: Every relationship is unique, and it’s important to honor each person’s boundaries. These are ongoing conversations to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

Compersion: Compersion is feeling joy when your partner is happy with someone else. It's a beautiful way to embrace love in all its forms without jealousy getting in the way.

Intentional Love & Care: Balancing multiple relationships requires mindfulness, time, and care. Nurturing each connection, while taking care of yourself, is key to making it all work.

Ethical non-monogamy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. The goal is to create loving, honest, and fulfilling connections that feel right for everyone involved.

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