Having a committed and non-monogamous relationship is, without a doubt, a new experience for many people. Yet, in recent years, the swinging lifestyle has been gaining popularity across the globe. Swingers are couples and singles who, due to personal preference, have chosen to engage in a non-monogamous style of relationship.
Participants in the swinging lifestyle do not view their lifestyle as a form of cheating. Rather, they strive to create a relationship where sexual exploration can be accessed outside of a strictly monogamous arrangement. Swinging as a form of non-monogamous relationship thus combines physical bonding with emotional and psychological elements. This style of romance is constantly re-inventing itself, adapting to the changing needs of its participants as it evolves and progresses.
Swinging itself, as a form of non-monogamous relationship, has both its adherents and critics. On one hand, swingers note that such relationships allow them to explore different aspects of their sexuality and learn new things about themselves. Those who oppose swinging usually cite morality as their main argument. This opposition is deeply rooted in the belief that a monogamous relationship should be the only acceptable form of relationship and that indulging in sexual activities outside of said relationship is immoral.
To gain further insight into the swinging lifestyle, one has to look into its modern history. One of the earliest forms of swinging was in existence during the 1950s. It started as a means of exploring sexuality among couples from a middle class background. At the time, it was fully consensual and seen by many as the pinnacle of love and romance.
Now known by many as the “sexual revolution”, the swinging lifestyle began to gain more and more prominence throughout the 1960s and 1970s. As obscenity laws began to relax, and conversations about human sexuality in general became much more commonplace, swinging moved from the closet and began to take root in the mainstream.
Today, swinging is a much more complicated matter. The internet has vastly increased the information about the lifestyle and enabled couples to quickly, securely, and anonymously find members of the swinging community. As a consequence, the stigma attached to it has slowly disappeared.
The swinging lifestyle has evolved in the digital age even further. Swingers can now be female, single, or even gay or transgender, and more relationship configurations are becoming accepted. Swinging is no longer seen as a means to avoid adult responsibility and, in fact, can be a source for more responsible behavior. This is perhaps best seen in the example of polyamory, where couples can explore their sexuality on multiple levels with multiple partners and still maintain the honest trust necessary to make such relationship work.
The modern notion of swinging is also about relationships rather than just sex. Swingers practice communication among all members involved about expectations and boundaries. This enables couples to remain true to their commitment and to expand their sexual horizons at the same time.
The swinging lifestyle continues to evolve in new and equally exciting ways. As its popularity continues to grow, it is important to remember it as more than just some clandestine pleasure-seeking activity. Rather, it is about exploring, understanding and respecting others’ boundaries and preferences. Swinging is a journey through the ever-changing landscape of modern relationships, one which can be richly rewarding if you have the openness and respect required for it.
