Monogamy, it’s a word that will either make an individual cheer or cringe.

It’s a relationship where both parties in the union find

emotional and sexual needs met and satisfied by each other. The best example of

this is a traditional marriage or common law union.

However, just how satisfied are couples in today’s

society given the increasing number of divorces, outside children, social media

mix-up, entanglements, ‘situationships’, 

side hens, bunnamen and every sordid thing in between?

Is monogamy an ancient concept? Is it outdated and

relegated to the last century when people subscribed to living within the

parameters of what society told them was moral or good? These are relevant questions

in today’s world where cable, social media and other channels of communication

carry not only pornography but stories of alternative family units outside of

the typical nuclear family of one man, one woman and kids. Indeed, some

families now consist of same-sex parents, hence the picture of the family unit

that we grew up with in the twentieth century has certainly changed so it is

not farfetched that primary relationships themselves will change as well.

Television shows such as ‘Sister Wives’ depict

families living communally with one male and multiple wives in one house or

compound where there are several homes. There was a time this would shock

people but that has not slowed down the rate at which more people are opting to

live in this fashion.  There are also

arrangements made where another woman is brought into the picture because the

wife us unable to conceive. Not only does the wife consent but she also picks

the woman for her husband as having someone who she gets along with is important

so that there is no tension or bickering in the home. Talk about enlightened

living!

Truth be told, monogamy is not for everyone but neither

is it outdated. As just the most socially acceptable relationship construct practiced

by much of the world’s population, it is the most common and established. Some

say it is the natural relationship fit because it harkens back to biblical

times. But in the same Bible several men had multiple wives. In fact, one man

had to labour an additional seven years doubly hard to get the woman he actually

wanted while one had to marry and take on his brother’s widow. How about them

apples?

While you may not condone open relationships, it is really

not up to you to tell people how best to live their lives. If a man or woman want

to have fun or as they say ‘have their cake and eat it too’ that is their prerogative,

as long as they inform all the parties involved and avoid the sneaking around.

Full disclosure beforehand is imperative.