A modern topology of nonmonogamy’s many possibilities—and consequences.
“Can you love more than one person?” A lot of conversations about nonmonogamy start this way. When we discuss “opening” relationships, contemplate whether we want to be exclusive with our partners, or introduce multiple partners to friends and family, we are asking the people in our lives, and ourselves, to contend with this question.
The answer is obvious, and misleading. The love one feels in their heart and the love one expresses through daily acts of care and affection are both “love” in the true sense, but they have different requirements, present different options and produce different outcomes.
More Than Two, Second Edition, can’t promise outcomes, but it is a guide to the paths—from anchor or nesting partnerships to relationship anarchy—possible within nonmonogamy. Drawing on the best of its predecessor while completely reimagining its approach, this entirely new work bridges emerging theories on attachment and relationship diversity with authors Eve Rickert and Andrea Zanin’s insight and experience. The arcs of nonmonogamous partnerships bend towards complexity, introspection and compromise—or at least they can, if we work at it.
Table of Contents:
Foreword
Eve’s Preface and Acknowledgements
Andrea’s Preface and Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part 1: Laying Your Foundation
1: Choosing Nonmonogamy
2: Finding Your Compass (or, Don’t Be Mean)
3: Abuse
Part 2: A Nonmonogamy Toolkit
4: Tending Your Self
5: Nurturing Your Relationships
6: Communication Pitfalls
7: Communication Strategies
8: Befriending the Green-Eyed Monster
Part 3: Nonmonogamous Frameworks
9: Boundaries
10: Rules and Agreements
11: Hierarchy and Primary/Secondary Polyamory
12: Veto Arrangements
13: Empowered Relationships
14: Practical Nonmonogamy Agreements
Part 4: The Nonmonogamous Reality
15: How Nonmonogamous Relationships Are Different
16: Opening from a Couple
17: Mono/Poly Relationships
18: Finding Partners
19:Life in the Polycule
20: Sex, Pleasure, Risk and Health
21: Relationship Transitions
The Future of Nonmonogamy
Glossary
Notes
Resources
Index