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Heide Perry-Bringman is the mother of a thriving young adult, a nationally certified and dual-licensed professional counselor, a writer, a creativity enthusiast, and a long-time business owner. She loves supporting people to live their best life and strives to help clients achieve real, lasting results.

​She's the kid who has known what she wanted to do since high school. When her close friend went through a family tragedy and did not have access to therapy, a passion was sparked. Her friend's parents were Deaf and therefore could not find a therapist with whom to process their child's death. Why? Because few - if any - therapists in their area were fluent in American Sign Language. At age 15 she decided that was a problem she wanted to solve. Heide attended the only Deaf university in the world as a hearing person and obtained her graduate degree with honors.

Her passion to help marginalized populations only grew as she personally experienced postpartum depression and anxiety. She then leaned into learning about alternative relationship styles while living in the hub of polyamorous America. Heide's heart has always been invested in meeting the needs of underserved groups, and she loves offering non-judgmental access to positivity-based support.

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Exploring Ethical Non-Monogamy

January 09, 20243 min read

Nurturing Healthy Relationships and Embracing Diverse Connections

In a world that continuously evolves and challenges traditional norms, ethical non-monogamy is gaining recognition as a viable and fulfilling relationship model. By allowing individuals to engage in multiple consensual relationships, ethical non-monogamy empowers people to explore diverse connections and foster deep emotional bonds beyond the confines of traditional monogamy. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of ethical non-monogamy, explore its various forms, and shed light on its positive aspects. Let's embark on a journey of love, trust, and open-mindedness.

Understanding Ethical Non-Monogamy:

Ethical non-monogamy refers to the practice of having multiple consensual relationships simultaneously, with the knowledge and consent of all involved parties. Unlike infidelity or cheating, ethical non-monogamy prioritizes transparency, communication, and mutual agreement among partners. This approach is based on the idea that love and connection are not limited resources, and individuals can form deep emotional and romantic bonds with multiple people simultaneously.

Forms of Ethical Non-Monogamy:

  1. Polyamory: Polyamory encompasses the practice of engaging in multiple loving and emotionally intimate relationships. These relationships can be sexual or non-sexual and are based on openness, trust, and clear communication among all partners involved. Polyamorous individuals often create committed, long-term partnerships while embracing the freedom to connect with others.

  2. Open Relationships: Open relationships involve primary partnerships where both individuals have the freedom to explore additional sexual or romantic relationships. The primary partners are aware and supportive of each other's extramarital or extrapartnership connections. Open relationships can take various forms, ranging from occasional casual encounters to ongoing secondary relationships.

Benefits of Ethical Non-Monogamy:

  1. Enhanced Communication: Ethical non-monogamy requires honest and open communication, fostering stronger emotional bonds and promoting self-awareness. Partners engage in regular conversations about boundaries, desires, and concerns, leading to deeper connections and personal growth.

  2. Freedom and Autonomy: Ethical non-monogamy provides individuals with the freedom to explore diverse connections, facilitating personal growth, and self-discovery. It allows people to pursue their unique desires and preferences while cultivating a sense of autonomy and independence.

  3. Emotional Support Network: With ethical non-monogamy, individuals can build a supportive network of partners who contribute to their emotional well-being. This network can provide diverse perspectives, shared responsibilities, and an increased sense of belonging.

  4. Relationship Sustainability: Ethical non-monogamy encourages individuals to be honest about their needs, ensuring that all parties involved feel fulfilled and satisfied. This transparency helps to build healthier and more sustainable relationships based on trust, respect, and emotional intimacy.


Conclusion:

Ethical non-monogamy provides a viable alternative to traditional monogamous relationships, offering individuals the opportunity to explore diverse connections while nurturing deep emotional bonds. Through open communication, transparency, and mutual consent, ethical non-monogamy empowers people to embrace their authentic selves and build sustainable relationships based on trust, respect, and love. By expanding our understanding of relationships, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world that celebrates diverse forms of love and


Sources:

  1. The Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton. (Book)

  2. More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert. (Book)

  3. Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by Tristan Taormino. (Book)

  4. Relationship Anarchy: The Controversial Philosophy That Makes You Question Everything You Know About Love by Andie Nordgren. (Article)

  5. Non-Monogamy: The New Relationship Norm? (Ted Talk) - Tamara Pincus. (Video)

  6. The Polyamorists Next Door: Inside Multiple-Partner Relationships and Families by Elisabeth Sheff. (Book)


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