Serial monogamy is the practice of entering multiple exclusive relationships in succession. In most of the modern
Western world,
courtship takes the form of serial monogamy, with individuals dating, forming couples which last from weeks to years, breaking up, and then repeating the process. With rising rates of
divorce and
remarriage, serial monogamy appears close to becoming the dominant
paradigm for marriage, as well. (This is, of course, making the assumption that these serial relationships are in fact
monogamous.)
The advantages of serial monogamy are that each individual relationship is (on average) relatively stable and clearly delineated, while the ability to abandon one relationship and move on to another provides for variety. Of course, if one person finds a compromise to be the best of both worlds, another is equally likely to find it the worst, arguing that serial monogamy is both less stable than permanent pair bonding, and more constraining than a system of free love. Further, some hold that the practice of becoming invested in exclusive but temporary bonds is emotionally or spiritually stifling or damaging.