Everyone knows sex is a natural part of life, but what if we told you sex with multiple people was the way Mother Nature intended it to be?
Most mammals are not monogamous. In fact, studies show that less than five percent of approximately 5,000 species are known to be monogamous. Geese form lifelong bonds with their mates. If one dies, the other will never mate again. Chimpanzees, on the other hand, will mate with many, often involving a large male to female ratio during one romantic romp. Humans fall somewhere in the middle.
Love is strong, but the call of nature – which encourages us to broadcast our genes – is stronger. It is estimated that 30 to 60 percent of married individuals in the United States will engage in infidelity at some point.
If monogamy isn’t ‘natural’, why do we vow “till death do us part”? Psychologists say the committed partnership evolved for the well-being of children. Society has developed ways to encourage monogamy, and some of those ways are not subtle. Some cultures strongly and publicly punish cheaters, and segregate men and women in social situations.
But there are and always have been compromises. Some husbands cheat, but return home in time to tuck in the kids. This type of arrangement is known as social monogamy. Polygamy still exists in isolated communities, and some cultures even accept infidelity.
Monogamy will continue to be a matter of choice, not a matter of survival. But sticking with one partner may help entire families survive. 17 percent of divorces are the result of infidelity, and resentment toward the cheater can come from kids and extended family members. This, coupled with the ever-present risk of sexually transmitted diseases, makes a compelling argument to go against nature and keep things monogamous.
Are women really more monogamous than men? Do open relationships work? Find out from author and sex expert Eleanor McKenzie:
http://www.videojug.com/interview/sexual-politics-2
