Dr. Tammy Nelson is a relationship revolutionary. Her rethinking of monogamy―as a practice, a continuum, and a flexible concept―is on point, actionable, and nothing less than a significant cultural shift.
―Wednesday Martin, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Primates of Park Avenue and Untrue

Love is eternal―but in an age when we live longer, communicate differently, and value gender equality, is it any wonder so many people are looking for new ways to support lasting, loving partnerships? “Monogamy is no longer a simple concept,” says Dr. Tammy Nelson. “More couples every year are experimenting with open relationships and newer, more flexible versions of commitment … yet few of us have been prepared with the skills we need to make those agreements work.”

Open Monogamy is a practical guide for people who wish to explore new directions in their relationships―to bring in excitement, variety, and fresh experiences without sacrificing trust, security, and respect. Through solo and partner exercises and real-life stories from people across the spectrum of relationship styles, you’ll explore:

• The changing face of relationships―why the time to explore new visions of love has arrived
• Can open monogamy work for you? Self-assessment tools to find your place on the “monogamy continuum”
• Essential skills for having honest conversations about attraction and desire
• Exercises to remove shame and suspicion about open relationships
• How to create agreements―traditional or otherwise―that are fulfilling, exhilarating, and built to last

Dr. Nelson’s 30 years of experience as a relationship and sex therapist have shown her that relationships can flourish even when the old idea of monogamy fails. “You want to love each other with fairness and integrity because that’s what you signed up for, and honesty aligns with your shared values … But you also want more. You want answers. The bad news? There is no one right way to do this. The good news? You can have anything you want.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to try an open relationship or polyamory, Open Monogamy gives you the tools you need to create a commitment agreement as unique as your love.

Main Themes:

1. Redefining Monogamy: Dr. Nelson starts by acknowledging that monogamy isn't a one-size-fits-all concept anymore. She introduces the idea of a "monogamy continuum," where couples can find their own unique place.

2. Skill-Based Approach: The book is practical and focuses on skills you need to have open and honest conversations about attraction and desire. It's not just about the theory but about actionable steps.

3. Removing Shame and Suspicion: One of the key aspects is how to remove the stigma, shame, and suspicion that often come with open relationships. Dr. Nelson provides tools to navigate these emotional complexities.

4. Creating Agreements: The book guides you through creating your own relationship agreements, whether they're traditional or not. These agreements are designed to be fulfilling and built for enduring love.

5. Expertise and Experience: Dr. Nelson brings in her 30 years of experience as a relationship and sex therapist to show that non-traditional relationships can flourish, especially when traditional concepts of monogamy fail.

6. Cultural Shift: The book is described as a significant cultural shift in rethinking monogamy as a practice, a continuum, and a flexible concept.

https://samples.audible.com/bk/tant/030024/bk_tant_030024_sample.mp3