The Myth of Monogamous Relationships

Is marriage just an old fashioned institutional way to manage estates and money rather than being based off of love and companionship?

Even today, there are a lot of financial benefits that come with marriage; healthcare coverage, lower taxes and managed joint assets are just a few.

Unlike 20 years ago, it just seems natural to you when you hear of celebrity couples splitting after many years. Unfortunately, you're also not surprised to find out your best friend was cheated on by her once devoted husband.

Even though monogamist relationships exist and are still desired by some, a new approach to keeping a long, healthy relationship by younger generations allows room for multiple partners.

A phrase known as "The New Monogamy" defined as "outside attachments of one kind or another are allowed, as long as they don't threaten the primary connection," has emerged.

"Cheating" is becoming a social norm, and accepted in some relationships.

Did you know there are two types of monogamy?

Social monogamy is referred to as the joining of an adult male and an adult female for the purpose of living and reproducing. Sexual monogamy is when an individual has only one sexual partner during their lifetime.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans getting a divorce increased for the third year in a row this past year.

Is it really natural to spend your life with just one person?

Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and retired psychiatrist, Judith Eve Lipton, MD, discusses the research on monogamous relationships and if having multiple partners is becoming more natural.