Relationships and Dynamics
B
Booty Call
A booty call is a slang term for a communication (usually a phone call or text message) made to a sexual partner with the primary intention of initiating immediate sexual activity. It typically occurs outside of a committed romantic relationship and is often spontaneous or made late at night.
Breadcrumbing
Breadcrumbing is a manipulative dating behavior where one person gives just enough attention or affection to keep the other person interested, without any intention of pursuing a genuine relationship. It involves sending sporadic messages, likes on social media, or making vague plans that never materialize, essentially leaving a trail of "breadcrumbs" for the other person to follow.
C
Catfishing
Catfishing refers to the practice of creating a fake online persona to deceive or manipulate someone into a romantic or sexual relationship. This typically involves using someone else's photos, fabricating personal information, and engaging in online interactions under this false identity. Catfishing can occur on social media platforms, dating apps, or any online communication channels.
Codependency
Codependency is a complex behavioral pattern in relationships where one person excessively relies on another for approval, identity, and emotional well-being. In a codependent relationship, one partner often takes on a caretaker role, sacrificing their own needs to meet the real or perceived needs of the other. This dynamic can occur in romantic, familial, or platonic relationships and is often characterized by an imbalance of power and responsibility.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation refers to the practice of two people living together in a romantic or sexual relationship without being legally married. It typically involves sharing a residence, finances, and daily responsibilities. Cohabitation has become increasingly common in many societies as an alternative or precursor to marriage.
Compromise
Compromise is a crucial aspect of sexual relationships where partners find a mutually agreeable solution to differing desires, preferences, or boundaries. It involves each person making concessions or adjustments to meet halfway, ensuring both parties' needs and comfort levels are respected. In sexual contexts, compromise often relates to frequency of sexual activity, types of sexual practices, or the exploration of new experiences.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution in the context of sexual relationships refers to the process of addressing and solving disagreements or disputes between partners regarding sexual matters. It involves open communication, active listening, compromise, and finding mutually satisfactory solutions to issues that arise in intimate relationships.
Conjugal Relations
Conjugal relations refer to the sexual relationship between married partners. This term encompasses all forms of sexual intimacy and activity that occur within a marriage, including but not limited to sexual intercourse. It's often used in legal, medical, or formal contexts to describe the physical aspect of a marital relationship.
Couples Sex Therapy
Couples sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on addressing sexual issues and improving intimacy within a romantic relationship. It involves both partners working with a trained therapist to explore and resolve sexual concerns, enhance communication about sex, and improve overall sexual satisfaction. This type of therapy can address a wide range of issues, from physical sexual dysfunctions to emotional barriers affecting sexual intimacy.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy, also known as relationship counseling, is a form of psychotherapy aimed at helping romantic partners improve their relationship. It focuses on addressing various issues that may be causing conflict or dissatisfaction within the partnership, including communication problems, sexual difficulties, infidelity, or life transitions. A trained therapist works with both partners to identify problem areas, develop strategies for resolution, and strengthen the overall bond between them.
Cuckold
A cuckold is a man whose partner engages in sexual activities with other people, typically with his knowledge and consent. In modern usage, cuckolding often refers to a fetish or kink where a person derives sexual pleasure from their partner having sex with others. This practice can involve various levels of participation, from the cuckold watching the encounters to being completely excluded.
Cuckolding
Cuckolding is a sexual practice or fetish in which one partner (typically male) derives sexual pleasure from watching or knowing about their partner (typically female) engaging in sexual activities with another person. The term "cuckold" traditionally refers to the male partner in this dynamic, while the female partner is sometimes called a "hotwife." The third person involved is often referred to as a "bull."
Cuffing Season
Cuffing season refers to a phenomenon where single people seek out short-term, committed relationships during the colder months of the year, typically from autumn to winter. The term "cuffing" is derived from the idea of being "handcuffed" or tied down to one partner for this period. This trend is often attributed to a desire for companionship and physical warmth during the colder, darker months.
D
Divorce
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the legal and social contract between spouses. It's a process that formally terminates a marital union, allowing both parties to legally separate their lives and potentially remarry. While not directly related to sexual activity, divorce can significantly impact an individual's sexual and romantic life.
Domestic Partnership
A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life, but are not married. It's a form of recognized partnership that provides some of the benefits and protections traditionally associated with marriage, particularly for same-sex couples in regions where same-sex marriage wasn't legally recognized.
F
Fluid Bonding
Fluid bonding refers to the practice of intentionally sharing bodily fluids during sexual activity, typically by engaging in unprotected sex. This term is often used in the context of committed relationships where partners have mutually agreed to stop using barrier methods of protection, such as condoms or dental dams, during sexual encounters.
Friends with Benefits
"Friends with benefits" (FWB) refers to a relationship dynamic where two individuals who are friends also engage in sexual activities without the commitment, expectations, or emotional involvement typically associated with romantic relationships. This arrangement combines the comfort and trust of friendship with sexual intimacy, but without the intention of developing a more serious romantic partnership.
G
Gender Role
Gender roles are the set of societal norms, behaviors, and expectations associated with being a man, woman, or non-binary individual in a given culture. These roles often dictate how people are expected to act, dress, speak, and interact based on their perceived gender. It's important to note that gender roles are social constructs and can vary significantly across different cultures and time periods.
Ghosting
Ghosting is a modern dating phenomenon where one person abruptly cuts off all communication with another person they've been romantically involved with or dating, without any explanation or warning. This behavior typically involves ignoring calls, messages, and social media interactions, effectively "disappearing" from the other person's life. Ghosting can occur at any stage of a relationship, from early dating to more established partnerships.
H
Hierarchical Polyamory
Hierarchical polyamory is a relationship structure within non-monogamous relationships where partners are prioritized in a ranked system. In this dynamic, individuals have a primary partner who typically takes precedence in terms of time, resources, and commitment, followed by secondary or tertiary partners. The hierarchy is usually explicitly acknowledged and agreed upon by all involved parties.
Hotwife
A hotwife is a married woman who engages in sexual activities with men other than her husband, with her husband's full knowledge and consent. This practice is typically part of a consensual non-monogamous relationship dynamic where the husband derives pleasure from his wife's sexual encounters with other partners. The term "hotwife" is often used within the context of the lifestyle and swinging communities.
I
Infidelity Counseling
Infidelity counseling is a specialized form of therapy designed to help couples navigate the emotional aftermath and relationship challenges that arise from infidelity or cheating. This type of counseling aims to address the breach of trust, emotional trauma, and communication breakdown that often occur when one partner has been unfaithful. The goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for both partners to express their feelings, understand the underlying issues that led to the infidelity, and work towards healing and rebuilding the relationship if both parties desire to do so.
Intimate Relations
Intimate relations refer to close, personal interactions between individuals that involve physical and/or emotional closeness. In the context of sexuality, it often describes sexual activities between consenting partners, but can also encompass a broader range of intimate behaviors and feelings. These relations typically involve trust, vulnerability, and a deep emotional connection.
M
Marital Relations
Marital relations refers to the sexual and intimate activities that occur between married partners. This term is often used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse within the context of marriage, but it can encompass a broader range of intimate behaviors and interactions between spouses.
Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. It's often used to address specific issues in a marriage or partnership, including communication problems, sexual difficulties, conflicts about child rearing or blended families, substance abuse, infidelity, or anger. The goal is to help couples develop stronger, healthier relationships.
Mate-guarding
Mate-guarding refers to behaviors and strategies employed by individuals to maintain their romantic or sexual relationship by preventing their partner from engaging in sexual or emotional relationships with others. This behavior is rooted in evolutionary psychology and can manifest in various ways, from subtle actions to more overt displays of possessiveness or jealousy.
Mating Systems
Mating systems refer to the patterns of sexual relationships between individuals within a species or society. These systems describe how individuals pair up for reproduction and the social structures that support these pairings. In humans and other animals, mating systems can vary widely, influenced by factors such as environment, resources, and cultural norms.
Ménage à trois
A ménage à trois, French for "household of three," refers to a sexual arrangement or encounter involving three people. This can be a one-time sexual experience or an ongoing romantic relationship involving three individuals. The term is often used interchangeably with "threesome," although ménage à trois can imply a more ongoing arrangement.
Metamour
A metamour is a term used in polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships to describe your partner's other partner(s) with whom you are not directly romantically or sexually involved. Essentially, it's your partner's partner. The term comes from the Greek "meta" (meaning beyond or after) and "amour" (meaning love).
Mono-Poly Relationships
A mono-poly relationship, short for monogamous-polyamorous relationship, is a dynamic where one partner practices monogamy while the other engages in polyamory. In this arrangement, the monogamous partner is exclusive to their polyamorous partner, while the polyamorous partner may have multiple romantic or sexual relationships with the knowledge and consent of all involved.
Monogamous Marriage
Monogamous marriage refers to a legally and/or socially recognized union between two individuals who commit to sexual and romantic exclusivity with each other. This type of relationship structure is characterized by the expectation that both partners will not engage in intimate or sexual relationships with others outside of the marriage.
N
Nesting Partner
A nesting partner is a term used in polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships to describe a partner with whom one lives or shares a home. This partner is typically considered a primary or anchor partner, though the level of commitment can vary. The concept of a nesting partner acknowledges the unique dynamics that come with cohabitation while allowing for other romantic or sexual relationships outside the nest.
New Relationship Energy (NRE)
New Relationship Energy (NRE) refers to the intense feelings of excitement, euphoria, and passion that often occur at the beginning of a romantic or sexual relationship. This heightened emotional state is characterized by increased energy, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to be with the new partner. NRE typically lasts anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the individuals involved and the nature of their relationship.
P
Pair-bonding
Pair-bonding refers to the formation of a close, long-term emotional and physical attachment between two individuals, typically in a romantic or sexual relationship. This biological and psychological process involves the development of strong emotional ties, often accompanied by behaviors that promote closeness and intimacy. Pair-bonding is believed to have evolved as a survival strategy in humans and some other species, encouraging cooperative child-rearing and resource sharing.
Parental Investment Theory
Parental Investment Theory is an evolutionary concept that explains differences in mating strategies between sexes based on their relative investment in offspring. Proposed by Robert Trivers in 1972, this theory suggests that the sex that invests more in offspring (typically females in mammals) will be more selective in choosing mates, while the sex that invests less (typically males) will compete more intensely for mating opportunities.
Passionate Friendship
A passionate friendship is an intensely close, emotionally intimate relationship between two people that may resemble a romantic partnership in many ways, but typically does not include sexual activity. These relationships are characterized by a deep emotional bond, strong feelings of affection, and a level of commitment that goes beyond casual friendship.
Platonic Intimacy
Platonic intimacy refers to a deep, close, and emotionally intimate relationship between individuals that does not involve sexual or romantic elements. It's characterized by a strong emotional bond, mutual trust, and affection, but without the physical or sexual aspects typically associated with romantic relationships. This type of intimacy can exist between friends, family members, or even colleagues.
Polyamory
Polyamory is the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved. Polyamorous individuals may have more than one loving, intimate relationship at a time. The key defining aspect is that these relationships are conducted with honesty, openness, and the agreement of everyone involved.
Polyandry
Polyandry is a form of non-monogamous relationship or marriage in which a woman has multiple male partners simultaneously. It's a specific type of polygamy, where one individual has multiple spouses. In polyandrous arrangements, a single woman is married to or in a committed relationship with two or more men at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved.
Polyfidelity
Polyfidelity is a form of non-monogamous relationship in which all members are considered equal partners and agree to restrict sexual activity to only other members of the group. This creates a closed relationship system, similar to monogamy, but involving more than two people. In polyfidelitous relationships, all partners are committed to each other with the same level of fidelity expected in monogamous relationships.
Polygyny
Polygyny is a form of non-monogamous relationship or marriage in which one man is married to or in a relationship with multiple women simultaneously. It's a specific type of polygamy, which is the broader term for any marriage involving multiple spouses. In polygynous relationships, the man typically takes on the role of husband to multiple wives, who may or may not be connected to each other.
Power Dynamics
Power dynamics in a sexual context refer to the distribution and exchange of control, authority, or influence between partners during sexual activities or within a sexual relationship. These dynamics can be explicit and negotiated, as in BDSM practices, or more subtle and implicit in vanilla relationships. Power dynamics often involve elements of dominance and submission, but can manifest in various ways depending on the individuals involved and their preferences.
Power Exchange
Power exchange refers to a consensual dynamic in BDSM relationships where one partner voluntarily relinquishes control to another. This exchange can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and often involves elements of dominance and submission. The key aspect of power exchange is that it's negotiated and agreed upon by all parties involved, with clear boundaries and expectations set.
R
Relationship Anarchy
Relationship anarchy is a philosophy and practice of forming relationships that rejects traditional societal rules and expectations. It emphasizes personal freedom, open communication, and the idea that each relationship should be negotiated on its own terms without hierarchical structures or predetermined rules. Relationship anarchists believe that love is abundant and that romantic and sexual relationships shouldn't be prioritized over other types of relationships.
Relationship Escalator
The relationship escalator is a societal concept that describes the traditional, expected progression of romantic relationships. It refers to the idea that relationships should follow a predetermined set of steps or milestones, typically including dating, becoming exclusive, moving in together, getting married, and having children. This concept assumes that all relationships should aim for these milestones and that deviating from this path is unconventional or less valid.
Reproductive Coercion
Reproductive coercion refers to behaviors that interfere with a person's reproductive autonomy. It involves actions aimed at controlling someone's reproductive choices, often without their knowledge or against their will. This can include sabotaging birth control methods, pressuring someone to become pregnant or to terminate a pregnancy, or using threats or manipulation to influence reproductive decisions.
Romantic Attraction
Romantic attraction refers to an emotional response that typically involves a desire for a romantic relationship with a specific person. It's characterized by feelings of emotional intimacy, affection, and often a longing for a deeper connection beyond friendship or sexual desire. Romantic attraction can occur with or without sexual attraction and can vary in intensity and expression among individuals.
Romantic Orientation
Romantic orientation refers to the pattern of romantic attraction an individual experiences towards others, regardless of sexual attraction. It describes the gender(s) or gender identities a person is romantically attracted to, which may or may not align with their sexual orientation. Romantic attraction often involves the desire for emotional intimacy, partnership, and romantic gestures, but doesn't necessarily include sexual desire.
S
Service Submission
Service submission is a consensual practice within BDSM relationships where one partner (the submissive) derives pleasure and fulfillment from serving or caring for the other partner (the dominant). This can involve a wide range of activities, from household chores to personal care, sexual services, or other forms of support. The focus is on the submissive partner's desire to please and serve their dominant partner.
Situationship
A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship that lacks clear definition, commitment, or labels. It typically exists in a gray area between casual dating and a committed relationship. Participants in a situationship may engage in romantic or sexual activities but without the explicit agreement or expectations that come with traditional relationships.
Skin Hunger
Skin hunger, also known as touch starvation or touch deprivation, refers to the emotional and physical need for human contact and physical touch. It's a very real phenomenon where individuals experience a longing for physical connection, be it through hugging, holding hands, cuddling, or other forms of non-sexual touch. This need is deeply rooted in human biology and psychology, playing a crucial role in emotional well-being and overall health.
Solo-polyamory
Solo-polyamory is a relationship style and philosophy where an individual practices polyamory (having multiple romantic or sexual relationships) while maintaining an independent or "single" lifestyle. Solo-polyamorists, often referred to as "solo-poly," prioritize personal autonomy and typically don't seek traditional relationship escalators like cohabitation, marriage, or shared finances with their partners.
Spooning
Spooning is a form of physical intimacy where two people lie close together, side by side, with one person's back against the other's chest. The position resembles the way spoons nest together, hence the name. Typically, the person in front is called the "little spoon," while the person behind is the "big spoon." Spooning can be both a non-sexual act of affection and comfort, or a prelude to or position for sexual activity.
Sugar Baby
A sugar baby is typically a younger individual who enters into a relationship with an older, wealthier partner (often called a sugar daddy or sugar momma) in exchange for financial support, gifts, or other benefits. This arrangement is often characterized by companionship, intimacy, and sometimes sexual activities, though the specific terms can vary widely between individuals.
Swingers
Swingers are individuals who engage in sexual activities with other people besides their primary romantic partners, typically in a recreational or social context. Swinging, also known as partner-swapping or wife-swapping, involves consensual exchange of partners within a couple or among a group of people for sexual purposes.
Swinging
Swinging is a non-monogamous practice where committed couples consensually engage in sexual activities with other couples or individuals. Also known as "partner swapping" or "the lifestyle," swinging typically involves married or long-term partners who agree to have sexual experiences outside their primary relationship, often together or with each other's knowledge and approval.
Swipe Right/Left
"Swipe right/left" refers to a gesture used in many mobile dating applications to indicate interest or disinterest in potential matches. Swiping right on a person's profile typically expresses attraction or a desire to connect, while swiping left indicates a lack of interest. This action has become a ubiquitous part of modern dating culture and is often used as shorthand for making quick judgments about potential romantic or sexual partners.