Open/honest dating outside a committed relationship is one form of ethical non-monogamy.

Yes, it does freak out a lot of people . And I agree with you that it really requires being emotionally together, and pretty self-aware, and very open to lots of talking about feelings.
One of the reasons I am interested in trying this is because, as you say, I see ways in which it could be beneficial emotionally.

@DiceDiceBaby, @RavenCT - Check out the group "Godless and Polyamorous"

@DoDapper I actually just saw them in "Related Groups" to this post. That is definitely where they should head - at least to see if it's the group for them. Thanks!

True that! On the other hand, I'm wondering if having two or more partners would allow me to expect/need less of each one. Maybe I could have compatibility in different areas with different people, and wouldn't have to try to get all my needs met by one person.

The terms are not clearly universally defined, but my understanding was the ethical nonmonogamy is a subset of polyamory.

@DiceDiceBaby polyamory implies emotions are connected to every physical relationship, ethical non-monogamy just means that you aren't hiding the fact you're fucking around

@DiceDiceBaby i've been periodically parts of both

I was being snarky ok?

Yes I see your point, but I think the addition of the "ethical" became necessary because so many people who don't know much about different ways of being non-monogamous think it means infidelity. Infidelity or cheating is not ethical - it's fucking whoever you want while lying about it to others. Ethical non-monogamy requires honesty - making sure that all partners involved understand and agree that you are going to have other partners.
I have heard countless stories of ENM folks trying to be upfront on dating sites, and having people assume they are cheating on a partner, or only into hookups (as opposed to emotionally connected relationships), etc.

That was always my feeling too, but I have had a close friend for two years now who is polyamorous, and I've started to meet others who are very serious about it. They work very hard to be open and honest with all partners and to avoid hurting others when possible. They also have a supportive community in my area (New England) and I think it's a lot easier when you have that supportive community. They acknowledge that jealousy happens, but seem to do pretty well at working it out with partners. I haven't tried ENM myself yet. Maybe I'll have more data in a year or two!

@DiceDiceBaby Keep us updated ! ?

I guess you don't have children or pets or even a girlfriend, then.

@maturin1919
Seems to be working out that way

@Sweeteej
My pets have names, but my relationship with them doesn’t need one.

I have been in open relationships for most of my life.

It can be that. It can also be deep, long-term relationships. The important thing is that you are honest with your partners what you are doing. That's where the ethics comes in. A good book for newbies is More Than Two by my friend, Franklin
[morethantwo.com]

@Sweeteej I like that book.

The definitions are a little fluid because it's a fairly new thing, but my understanding is that non-monogamy just means having, or being open to having, more than one love or sex partner at a time. Within non-monogamy, there are many options - swinging is lots of partners, no emotional attachment, and ethical non-monogamy means more than one partner, total honesty at all times with all partners about involvement with others, and usually some emotional connection. There are other options but I am still learning about all this.

Another great book is The Ethical Slut