In Praise of Open Relationships: On Love, Sex, Reason, and Happiness

by Oliver Schott

For most people today, romantic love is tantamount to monogamy. However, the ideal of one true love that lasts forever has long given way to the sobering reality of serial monogamy. The simple fact that a life may comprise more than one love poses a challenge to our established conception of fidelity. Why must one love end when another one begins? In this book, the meaning of love and sexuality is reassessed. The author points out that emotion, reason, commitment, and freedom do not have to be at odds. Monogamy as a relationship model is shown to rest on questionable preconceptions. Its impositions prove objectionable not only from a hedonistic, but also from an ethical point of view. Alternative models such as “Don’t ask, don’t tell” agreements, swinging, and polyamory are reviewed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Polyamory, Philosophy, Relationships

104 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[E π 157 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Für mich persönlich ein Schlüsselbuch.
Obwohl ich mich mit der Thematik bereits viel auseinandergesetzt habe, hat das Buch auf seinen wenigen Seiten viele neue Erkenntnisse mitgebracht. Ich empfehle es gerne Freunden, ganz egal in welcher Beziehungsdynamik. Ein fortschrittliches, transformatives Werk über intentionale und authentische Menschenbegegnungen.

Es geht nicht um Beziehungsöffnung per se. Sondern um Offenheit, Ehrlichkeit, Vernunft, Vertrauen, Hinterfragen und Reflektion in JEDER Dynamik.

[Janice Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, small book that tries to make a case for non-exclusivity in romantic relationships. Schott looks at some common attitudes or assumptions about love that are used to uphold monogamy as the only valid relationship model, and presents logical arguments to challenge this claim. It's a nice little book to have as reference, for those who like to examine and think about the fundamental assumptions behind how we conduct relationships.

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great arguments for a new conception and practice of love, accessibly written and rich in thought-provoking content.

[girlofbooksandpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep it short and simple: kompaktes Buch zum Thema „offene Beziehung“, was mich an einigen Stellen definitiv zum Nachdenken angeregt hat.

[Antje Schrupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://antjeschrupp.com/2010/09/11/sc...