In an era where traditional relationship structures are evolving, discussing open relationships and monogamy is no longer taboo. In fact, more and more people are questioning the conventional model of exclusive romantic love and daring to explore new ways of connecting emotionally and sexually.
Open relationships, understood as agreements between people who decide to maintain a primary romantic relationship while having the possibility to engage with others, are gaining ground, especially among young adults who prioritize honesty, autonomy, and the desire to experience without breaking stable bonds. In contrast, traditional monogamy, based on emotional and sexual exclusivity with one partner, remains the predominant model in most Western cultures, although it also faces new contemporary questions and challenges.
According to a study published by the Kinsey Institute, around 20% of adults in the United States
have participated in some form of consensual non-monogamous relationship, and in Latin America, although there are no clear figures, the topic is becoming more visible on social media, podcasts, and couple therapy sessions. In Mexico, sexuality and human relationship specialists confirm a growing interest in understanding these new ways of loving, and most importantly: doing so with responsibility and communication.
To better understand the differences, advantages, and challenges between these two relational models, we consulted three renowned experts who share their insights based on years of clinical and academic work.
What is an open relationship and how does it work?
An open relationship is not synonymous with infidelity or promiscuity. It is a consensual dynamic where a couple agrees that they can have intimate, emotional, or both types of connections with other people, without it implying betrayal or the end of love between them. The key lies in clear agreements and ongoing honesty.
For Mexican sexologist and couple therapist Silvia Olmedo,
“sexual freedom does not imply a lack of commitment. Many people in open relationships maintain a deep emotional bond with their primary partner, but with well-established rules to explore outside of it.” Olmedo points out that this type of relationship can foster communication, empathy, and personal growth, as long as there is mutual respect and emotional clarity.
Monogamy: a model that remains relevant
On the other hand, monogamy remains the preferred option for many people, as it offers a sense of stability, commitment, and emotional security. Being with one person can strengthen trust, consolidate long-term life projects, and facilitate conflict resolution through a solid emotional foundation.
According to Spanish clinical psychologist and author Enrique Echeburúa,
“monogamy is not an obsolete model, as some suggest. Emotional and intimate exclusivity can be a source of well-being if both people are in sync and share similar values and expectations. What matters is not the type of relationship, but how it is lived.”
Echeburúa highlights that monogamous relationships also face significant challenges, such as wear and tear over time, routine, or lack of desire, but these can be addressed with open communication and strategies to renew the connection.
Advantages and Challenges of Each Model
Open Relationships:
Advantages:
Encourages personal autonomy and honesty
Opportunity to explore new experiences without secrecy
Greater communication about desires and boundaries
Challenges:
Jealousy and complex emotional management
Requires a high level of maturity and constant agreements
Risk of imbalance if one party gets more involved than the other
Monogamy:
Advantages:
Sense of security and stability
Building shared life projects
Solid emotional base to overcome crises
Challenges:
Risk of routine or sexual stagnation
Idealization of eternal love without conflicts
Possibility of infidelity if there is no effective communication
Internationally recognized clinical psychologist Esther Perel, known for her studies on desire and relationships, points out that “there is no perfect model. What matters is that relationships are based on consent, communication, and freedom. Some people thrive in monogamy, others in consensual non-monogamy. The essential thing is to build from respect.”
Which to choose?
It’s not about deciding which type of relationship is “better” or more “modern,” but about asking: What do I want? What do we want as a couple? Both models can work if there is love, commitment, and dialogue. What was once considered unthinkable is now openly discussed, and that is a sign that we are evolving towards more conscious and diverse ways of loving.
In a world where authenticity is beginning to be valued more than the norm, love—whether free or exclusive—remains a construction that reinvents itself every day.
