Glossary
ENM (ethical non-monogamy)
Ethical non-monogamy: relationship styles where partners agree, openly and honestly, to have more than one romantic or intimate connection.
What it covers
ENM is an umbrella term. It includes open relationships, polyamory, relationship anarchy, and more — the common thread is that everyone involved knows and consents. The 'ethical' part is doing the difference: honesty, agreements everyone actually made, and ongoing communication rather than assumptions.
Making it work
ENM leans hard on clear boundaries and regular check-ins. A private, shared record of agreements and how each connection feels helps partners stay aligned as things evolve — which is exactly the kind of thing that's easy to lose track of in your head.