Therapist Sees a Generation Creating a ‘New Monogamy’
While the meme might seem trite or trendy, this lengthy essay by a couples therapist makes a compelling case that younger couples are actively creating relationship innovations designed to dampen the destructive power of infidelity -- whether it be emotional, sexual or otherwise.While the meme might seem trite or trendy, this lengthy essay by a couples therapist makes a compelling case that younger couples are actively creating relationship innovations designed to dampen the destructive power of infidelity — whether it be emotional, sexual or otherwise.
Wait, before you go…Psychotherapy Networker (via AlterNet):
If the stories we hear from couples coming into our offices these days are any indication, we’re in for a sea change. Whether we like it or not, many couples are far less encumbered with the legal, moral, and social strictures and expectations around marriage that held sway for our parents or even for us, if we were married 20 to 30 or more years ago. With divorce rates hovering at 50 percent, couples today are extremely aware of the impermanence of marriage in our culture and the many centrifugal forces in society pulling it apart. Once past the first, dewy, romantic days as newlyweds, many couples seem to expect that infidelity, however defined, is likelier than not. But far from becoming jaded and cynical about their own marriages, they want to protect their relationship — in ways that may surprise or even shock some of us. Instead of wanting to trade in the old partner for the new person, they reject the assumption that, somehow, the second time around, love will be “real,” and they’ll never again be tempted to stray.
Today’s couples are far likelier to think about negotiating ahead of time what they mean by “fidelity” and how they define and live monogamy in their own relationship.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
News
Nearly 90% of the Australian population supports the journalist’s safe return to his native country, says Greens Sen. David Shoebridge.
News
Thomas has attended at least two Koch donor summits, putting him in the extraordinary position of having helped a political network that has brought multiple cases before the Supreme Court.
Ear to the Ground
Examining serial killers past and present and how marginalized groups tend to be their most likely victims.
Environment
It’s time to flip the game upside down and end green colonialism by requiring a southernization of the north — forcing the latter to reduce its consumption of energy.
Wounds of War
Telling central truths about the Vietnam War is a basic threat to the U.S. war machine.
Women
Celebrating victories and decrying injustices, the march was a rallying cry for Indigenous rights.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.