Why Every Couple Should Have Their Own Monogamy Meaning

Monogamy. It's an easy word to understand, yet many couples still struggle with it. No, I don't mean instances of clear cheating.

A couple can be perfectly faithful with one another until the day when one of them catches the other chatting innocently with an ex that she is on good terms with. Or when someone ‘likes' a provocative picture posted by a mutual friend on Instagram.

Are any of those even considered cheating?

Tempting as it is to say either ‘yes' or ‘no,' those are the kinds of instances where a couple should be clear on their monogamy meaning. The sheer amount of gray areas they can find themselves in is too much to leave to chance. Those looking for more specific reasons can explore the following:

Defining What Monogamy Means for You Can Better Define Your Values

Some people like to play things loose and easy. As long as no one is outright cheating physically, they may even excuse things that can be considered micro-flirting. Other people are on the opposite end of things: strict and unyielding.

Still, there are those caught in between both extremes. So, what's right and what's wrong?

The good thing is, couples can easily define for themselves where the boundaries lie. Through this, they can better define their own values and check if they are really as in sync as they believe they are, or if there's wiggle room between them.

Defining What Monogamy Means Can Lead to Fewer Misunderstandings

A classic fight between couples tends to be over mistakes that only one person considers a mistake to begin with. This lapse in judgment can be easily corrected with enough willingness to apologize and compromise.

However, if it's easy to correct, then chances are, it is easy to prevent in the first place.

The talk to define what is cheating, what falls under a gray area, and what is acceptable will be fraught with tension. Those who aren't fully aware of what they want (or don't want) might not accomplish the point of the talk to begin with, but it is always worth a try.

Defining What Monogamy Means Will Help Navigate Attractions

A former flame may pop up from out of nowhere with a late night chat. A co-worker may seem overly friendly to the point where you wonder what his or her intentions are. Maybe even a long-time friend starts looking attractive after enough time passes.

Take note that even the strongest relationships will be tested sooner or later.

Nobody wants to admit these things happen, but they do. Relationships don't act as barriers to crushes or the attractive people that come in and out of our lives. In defining monogamy for yourselves, you become better equipped to deal with these as a couple.

In a nutshell, monogamy is quite simple.

Yet, realistically, couples often run into difficulties for a variety of reasons. To prevent or correct mistakes in your relationship, it is advisable to have your own monogamy meaning for you and your partner. Make it something both of you can agree with and stick to.