Serial Monogamy is certainly only a recient invention (comparatively speaking).

According to many biologists, our unusually large genitals (compared to most other primates and animals) is indication that promiscuity was a large feature of our early history. Competition for sperm was paramount.

Sharing of spouses is not something that has entirely died off either, the eskimos practiced spouse sharing, many native indian americans practiced it as a way of tribal "bonding". And much sharing is going on in the suburbs as "Swingers" or people in "The Lifestyle"..

Indeed, WWII airforce pilots would have "key parties" where the men would put their keys in a hat.. and their spouses would then draw keys at random out of the hat to determine who they would be with that night. It was done as a way of bonding them together as a group, and thus an insurancy policy for their wives, as they lived in extreemly high risk jobs. If a pilot died, the others of the now "tribe" would still look after the wife.

But it seems in most cases, there is always still a "primary" spouse. This seems to be the key to making swinging work.

Being polyamourous without a primary spouse sounds like a very lonely lifestyle IMHO.

Never had more than one woman in my life at the same time .... been a "love the one you're with" man...fun to look and fantasize but don't want to loose what I have [a good woman.] Would like to have my ex [another good woman] back in my life in an intimate manner, but that isn't going to happen.... Only two women I've ever loved........weird, I suppose

I think the common theme is not so much monagmay as honesty. With any other creature, and maybe with human ancestors, it seems fairly obvious as to who is with who. With modern man, couples may be thousands of miles apart. I think the biggest key is being honest with you selected other. If you are going to be with multiple parteners, the the very least you can do is to inform your partner, and let them make an informed descision.

McJim


Honesty is the best policy, except with the IRS, then its a Friday meeting at 5pm, happy hour to follow....:rolleyes:

As primates, we are not monogamous. There are many pointers to this fact in both male and female instinctive sexual behaviour.

As Mr. and Mrs. Jones of Acacia Avenue, we are whilst it suits us socially, financially and personally - but then when it doesn't?