Why Do We Cheat?, World Affairs

Monogamy vs Serial Monogamy

Monogamy = “I Do…Until Death Do Us Part.”

Serial Monogamy = “I Do For Now…Until Something Better Comes My Way.”

We tend to get hell fired and bent out of shape over the subject of monogamy. It’s a very hot topic in the forums!

Scientists lead a compelling argument that, biologically, we are compelled to cheat. It is human nature.

Others claim that humans are intended to be monogamous. Poor character and today’s loose morals and ethics are the downfall of this institution. Really?

Where then, does “serial monogamy” fit into the grand scheme of things? Wikipedia defines serial monogamy as:

A series (at least two in length) of long-term, exclusive sexual relationships entered into consecutively over the life span. In common usage partners need not be married, but there is never more than one partner at a time. This behavior is a variant of monogamy, in which a given individual has only one sexual partner throughout life.

Note, that the definition speaks only of the “sexual” aspect of the relationship. Is that really all there is to monogamy? Exclusive sex with one partner? (How boring. No wonder we cheat!) A deeper, emotional commitment is not required?

Then where does the term “emotionally infidelity” come from? Many people value emotional intimacy over physical intimacy. “Affairs of the heart” are considered to be a bigger violation and risk to a relationship than having sex with another.

Sex, when shared with another, is still, just sex. A heart, given to another, leads to pain, divorce and serial monogamy.

Is it morally and ethically “correct” to change partners on a whim? We don’t take marriage seriously anymore and we certainly don’t commit. We may have good intentions but we always try cover our bases just in case things don’t “work out”.

Doesn’t changing the traditional wedding vows from “until death do us part” to “for as long as we both shall love” (which can be a very short time!) say it all? And what about prenuptial agreements?

A contract entered into by two people prior to marriage which includes provisions for the division of their properties should the union end in divorce.

Today, we plan for the divorce before the wedding ever takes place!

Face it, love is a fleeting thing! Why?

Because we put about as much thought, care and time into selecting our partners as we do our next new car. If it is smooth, sleek, sexy, smells new and rides well…get it! At the first sign of trouble, trade it in on a newer model!

Marriage Certificate = Bill Of Sale
Warranty = Prenuptial

The only thing we are missing is the “Buyer’s Remorse” clause so we can turn a new partner in within 72 hours if we change our mind! Oh wait…

Buyer’s Remorse Clause = Annulment

For famous serial monogamists like “The Donald” ([tag-tec]Donald Trump[/tag-tec]), paying off the “old” wife to bring in the sexy, new, “young” wife each time, seems to be a way of life. A fellow blogger, William Weston suggests that Donald’s methods portray a glamorous form of prostitution. Ouch! He does have a point though.

So, is “serial monogamy” any better than cheating? I think it is a symptom of cheating.

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