A husband spent years pressuring his wife into an open marriage, and the moment she finally agreed and found a boyfriend, he couldn't cope, a real case clinical psychologist Dr. Laurie uses to explain why opening a relationship never solves an existing problem. Anyone weighing whether non-monogamy could work for them gets an honest, research-backed breakdown here.

The Real Numbers and Types Behind Open Relationships

Dr. Laurie unpacks the actual statistics behind consensual non-monogamy, clarifies the differences between swinging, open marriages and polyamory, and explains a concept called sociosexual orientation that may mean some people are simply wired differently.

Compersion, Negotiation, and What Healthy Monogamy Requires

Dr. Laurie introduces compersion, the experience of genuine happiness watching a partner connect with someone else, and lays out exactly what needs to be negotiated before opening a relationship, along with what makes monogamy work just as well when it's the right fit.

Topics: Dr. Laurie, compersion, non-monogamy, healthy monogamy, relationship negotiation

GUEST: Dr. Laurie | drlaurie.com

Originally aired on 2026-07-24