In this video Helen Fisher and other experts address the question, “Is Monogamy Natural?” The video was made at yourtango.com.
Monogamy means one SPOUSE, it does not mean fidelity. Fidelity is a choice that many people make, but some do not. Helen Fisher says that most of us are built for monogamy and certainly it is natural, but occasional infidelity seems to be natural, too, in the animal world-- including us humans. Monogamy brings safety and predictability. That's why we have to work to put a little sizzle into our long-term relationships, to prevent too much predictability, and boredom.
Esther Perel has written a great book called Mating in Captivity that addresses the problems faced by people in monogamous relationships. See another video here, called Novelty, which is helpful to couples in monogamous relationships.
The host is Melanie Gorman, MA (www.yourtango.com/experts/melaniegorman)
The Experts are:
Helen Fisher, PhD Biological Anthropologist (www.helenfisher.com, and this website)
Mary Ellen Goggin, Relationship Retreat Guide (freeandconnected.com)
Alicia H. Clark, PsyD Clinical Psychologist (AliciaClarkPsyD.com)
SaraKay Smullens, Family therapist (SaraKaySmullens.com)
