Monogamish

Monogamish describes a relationship that is largely monogamous but leaves room for occasional sex outside the couple. The word was coined by sex and relationship columnist Dan Savage to describe his own long-term marriage. A monogamish couple stays emotionally committed and centered on each other, and the outside encounters are limited, agreed upon, and meant to add to the primary relationship rather than replace it. It sits between strict monogamy and more open arrangements like polyamory, where multiple full relationships are the point. Couples set their own rules for what is and is not allowed, so the specifics vary. The core idea is honesty about occasional outside sex instead of pretending the desire does not exist.