"Polyamory is just another term for cheating!" says the misinformed friend. Most people know what polygamy means (one person with many spouses), but many aren't as aware of the term polyamory. According to the Wikipedia, polyamory is the practice, desire, or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. What distinguishes polyamory from traditional forms of non-monogamy (aka cheating) is an ideology that openness, goodwill, intense communication, and ethical behavior should prevail among all the parties involved. Polyamorists tend to see the modern American nuclear family as an aberration in the course of human history and believe that larger, more complex extended families or tribes have been the natural human family structure. Children are seen as being better off when they have a broad range of adult role models to relate to, instead of a single, monogamously married couple. Polyamorists believe in freedom of choice and consider Polyamory as a viable alternative to monogamy.
Swinging is defined as recreational sexual activity, also called "sport sex" where partner(s) or participant(s) agree to have casual sex with each other(s). There is usually no emotional involvement. Swingers generally practice recreational sex activities without the development of love, affection or personal intimacy. Swinging is a form of monogamy in which usually two primary partners agree to have casual sex with other couples or singles. Polyamory and Swing communities are allies under the alternative lifestyles banner. Many swingers have transitioned to Polyamory through their desire to be emotionally committed in a multipartnered relationship.
Human beings have been on this earth for a long long time. Monogamy is a rather new concept when you look at history in entirety. Kings and Queens had maidens and suitors openly. African Tribes have large polygamist families, and whole heartedly believe it takes a village to raise a child. Muslims men still are legally allowed to have more then one wife. And I won't even harp on the divorce rate which stems greatly from infidelity. Maybe just MAYBE monogamy isn't natural.. besides humans aren't the only mammals that have sex just for pleasure. By all means, I am NOT saying monogamy isn't possible, but it sure aint easy. If the one you love can accept you being intimate with others, then maybe the lifestyle is a better choice, rather then creeping and cheating.
