Episode 318: What Comes After Nonmonogamy?

Aug 13, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Andrea Zanin, a notable author and advocate for nonmonogamy, explores what life looks like after moving away from nonmonogamous relationships. They delve into the reasons behind transitioning to monogamy or solitude, and whether this shift is temporary or permanent. Andrea highlights the rewards and challenges of post-nonmonogamous life, emphasizing self-awareness and personal growth. The conversation also touches on how the pandemic has reshaped relationship dynamics and perceptions of love.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Navigating the Post-Nonmonogamy Experience

03:28 • 15min

The Complexity of Involuntary Monogamy and Love

18:04 • 2min

Embracing Solitude in Non-Monogamy

20:03 • 7min

Exploring the Future of Post-Nonmonogamy

27:29 • 2min

When people become nonmonogamous, they don’t always stay nonmonogamous for life. Sometimes people decide to take a temporary break from it. Other times, people stop practicing it altogether because it’s just not what they want or need anymore. Maybe they only want to pursue one relationship right now, or perhaps they just want to be single. So what does a post nonmonogamous life look like? That’s what we’re going to be talking about in this episode.

My guest today is Andrea Zanin, author of the new book Post-Nonmonogamy and Beyond. They are also co-author of the new edition of the book More than Two. Andrea blogs at sexgeek.wordpress.com, where they created the 10 Rules for Happy Nonmonogamy and coined the term “polynormativity.”

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

What does post nonmonogamy look like?
What are the main reasons people become post-nonmonogamous?
Is post-nonmonogamy a temporary or permanent state?
In what ways can post-nonmonogamy be rewarding? In what ways it is challenging?

You can check out Andrea’s website to read more of their work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.