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You have always been faithful in your relationships. Every time you fell in love, you embraced that special person with all your heart. Why? Because you believe in the power of exclusivity and building a deep bond with one partner. In your search for love you have already had several long-term relationships, but every time a relationship ends, you wonder: is this still monogamy ?
Even though you are faithful to your partners, you don’t stay with one person. You move from relationship to relationship, sometimes with long gaps in between, so you don’t stick to one person with whom you share your life. That makes you wonder: am I serially monogamous?
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What is serial monogamy?
Serial monogamy is a term used to describe how you live your love life. It means that you are successively involved in several exclusive relationships , one partner at a time. You’re not cheating, but you’re also not sticking to one partner. During your love life you have several partners , one after the other.
Compare it to reading a book with several chapters. Every time you start a relationship, you start a new chapter in your love story. But just as a chapter ends, so too can relationships end. When that happens, you close that chapter and move on to the next chapter, which is when you meet a new partner.
Serial monogamy is quite common and it’s basically how we shape our love lives now. You enter into a relationship with a partner and if that relationship ends, for whatever reason, you move on to a new partner and form a monogamous relationship again.
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One person at a time
It has become a normal way of having relationships because it is based on the idea of monogamy, where you commit yourself to one person at a time. The difference with ‘normal’ monogamy is that serial monogamy focuses on successive relationships, while traditional monogamy involves having a long-term relationship with the same person.
Serial monogamy can be a great way to meet different people, gain experiences, and grow as a person. It is therefore a form of monogamy that is common among young people, because you do not yet know exactly what you want and need. You often change partners only to settle down later – if at all.
The concept of serial monogamy contrasts with other forms of relationships , such as polygamy (where you have multiple partners at the same time) or open relationships (where you make agreements to enter into other relationships). Serial monogamy focuses on exclusive relationships, but not necessarily with the same person throughout your life.
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8 Characteristics of Serial Monogamy
How can you know that you are serially monogamous? Can having multiple relationships in a row be called serial monogamy? Let’s look at the eight characteristics.
1. You want exclusivity
You have a deep-seated desire to connect exclusively with one person at a time. You appreciate the intimacy and depth of a monogamous relationship.
2. You have consecutive relationships
You tend to be involved with several partners successively. After a relationship ends, you open your heart to someone new and build a new exclusive bond.
3. You want an emotional connection
You look for a deep emotional connection in your relationships. You want to find a partner with whom you can share your feelings, build trust, and form a strong bond.
4. You learn and grow
Every relationship brings life lessons . You’ve discovered that each partner can teach you something new about yourself, about relationships, and about what you want in a future partner. You see it as an opportunity to grow as a person.
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5. You respect boundaries
You respect the boundaries of each partner . During your relationships you do not cheat and you are exclusively involved with that one person. During the relationship you are prepared to respect the agreements and expectations within the relationship.
6. You are always open to new relationships
After ending a relationship, you remain open to new opportunities and possibilities. You understand that life is full of surprises and you are ready to meet a new partner when the time is right.
7. You have no fear of commitment
Even though you have successive partners, you are not afraid to commit . You are willing to give yourself completely to every relationship you are in, despite knowing that not all relationships stand the test of time.
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8. You’re looking for that special someone
Every new relationship brings you closer to finding that special someone. You continue to believe that there is someone with whom you will have a lifelong monogamous relationship. And every relationship brings you closer to fulfilling that desire.
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