Interesting study finds that what we think of as traditional forms of monogamy do not necessarily equal overall, long lasting happiness

Monogamy isn’t necessary for happiness, despite common convention saying otherwise, according to a new study in the Personality and Social Psychology Review. From this article on Salon.com:

“Researchers looked at consensual non-monogamy – relationships in which both adults agree to have multiple sexual or romantic partners – among gay couples and found nearly identical levels of satisfaction as those in monogamous partnerships… There are very few studies on consensual non-monogamy out there, perhaps because it appears to be so rare. Currently, between 4.5 to 10 percent of all relationships fall into this category, but the number could be higher.”

Regardless of the smaller numbers, this study is more evidence that the face of fidelity is changing.