ENM: what it means
An umbrella term for relationship styles where everyone involved knows about and agrees to romantic or sexual connections with more than one person. Honesty and consent are what make it “ethical”. Also called consensual non-monogamy (CNM).
Also called: ethical non-monogamy, CNM.
In practice
ENM covers many styles, from open relationships and swinging to polyamory. What they share is that everyone involved knows and agrees. In practice, ENM involves a lot of talking: agreements, sexual-health conversations, schedules and feelings, revisited regularly.
Consent and safety
Ethical non-monogamy depends on honesty and ongoing consent from everyone affected, not just the people who proposed it. Agreements can be renegotiated, sexual-health conversations matter, and anyone can change their mind. For meeting someone new, see our safety tips.
Related terms
Learn more
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General education for adults 18+, not medical or legal advice. Definitions vary between communities; when in doubt, ask your partner what a word means to them.