Sex and Psychology Podcast Episode 452: What People Get Wrong About Open Relationships
Nov 25, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. Justin Mogilski, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie and expert in consensual non-monogamy (CNM), tackles common myths surrounding open relationships. He clarifies the difference between CNM and infidelity, emphasizing communication over deception. Mogilski also uncovers the stigma against CNM, redefines jealousy as a signal for communication, and explores the health practices in CNM relationships. Get ready to rethink what you know about non-monogamy!
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Consent Is The Defining Line
- Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is defined by prior agreement, not by multiple partners alone.
- Deception, not the presence of other partners, is what aligns with infidelity in CNM, Justin Mogilski explains.
Cheating Is About Betrayal, Not Specific Acts
- Monogamous people often define infidelity as sex or falling in love with others, while CNM people focus on deception and broken agreements.
- Both groups share betrayal as the core harm, but CNM partners often specify which behaviors count as cheating.
Stigma Comes From Narrow Templates
- Negative views of CNM often arise from narrow templates and trait stereotyping rather than direct evidence.
- People infer impulsivity or other traits from partner count and then stigmatize CNM participants, Justin Mogilski notes.
