Janet W. HardyThe Ethical Slut, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love

"The Ethical Slut, Third Edition" is a groundbreaking book that has become a classic resource for individuals interested in exploring polyamory, open relationships, and alternative approaches to sex and love. Written by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton, this comprehensive guide offers practical advice, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking insights that empower readers to create fulfilling, consensual, and ethical relationships.Chapter Overview:Redefining Sluttery: The book challenges societal norms and prejudices associated with promiscuity and "slut-shaming," providing a fresh perspective that reframes sexuality as a positive and healthy aspect of human nature.Honesty and Communication: The authors stress the importance of honest and open communication as the foundation for ethical non-monogamous relationships. They offer practical tools and strategies for effective communication, negotiation, and establishing boundaries.Jealousy and Compersion: Jealousy is a common emotion in non-monogamous relationships. This chapter explores the complexities of jealousy and provides techniques for managing and transforming it into compersion—the joy experienced when witnessing a partner's happiness with someone else.Safer Sex: Safety is paramount in any sexual relationship. This chapter discusses the importance of practicing safer sex, negotiating boundaries, and developing strategies to protect oneself and one's partners from sexually transmitted infections.Negotiating Non-Monogamy: Hardy and Easton delve into the intricacies of negotiating non-monogamous relationships, including establishing relationship structures, exploring different styles of polyamory, and navigating power dynamics within partnerships.Gender, Orientation, and Identity: The authors explore the intersections of gender, sexual orientation, and identity within non-monogamous relationships. They offer guidance on embracing diverse expressions of sexuality and fostering inclusivity in open relationships.Exploring Kink and BDSM: This chapter addresses the integration of kink and BDSM practices within polyamory and open relationships. It explores the importance of consent, negotiation, and establishing boundaries when engaging in alternative sexual dynamics.Relationship Anarchy and Beyond: The concept of relationship anarchy challenges conventional relationship hierarchies and explores the possibilities of non-traditional, non-hierarchical connections. The authors provide insights and tools for those interested in exploring relationship anarchy.Parenting and Family: The book addresses the unique challenges and opportunities for individuals who are polyamorous parents or considering parenthood within a non-monogamous framework. It offers guidance on navigating societal norms, co-parenting, and fostering a supportive family environment.Community and Support: The authors emphasize the importance of building a supportive community of like-minded individuals. They provide guidance on finding local and online resources, attending events, and creating chosen families within the polyamorous and open relationship communities.Key Strengths:Thought-Provoking and Inclusive: "The Ethical Slut" challenges societal norms surrounding sex, love, and relationships while embracing a wide range of identities, orientations, and lifestyles. The book promotes inclusivity, encouraging readers to explore and celebrate their unique desires.Practical Advice and Tools: The authors offer practical advice, techniques, and exercises throughout the book, empowering readers to apply the concepts to their own lives. The inclusion of real-life examples and personal anecdotes enhances the book's relatability and usefulness.Sex-Positive Approach: The book takes a sex-positive stance, promoting consensual and pleasurable sexual experiences while emphasizing the importance of open communication, boundaries, and safety.Cultural Relevance: The third edition of "The Ethical Slut" incorporates updated information, reflecting the evolving landscape of polyamory, open relationships, and alternative sexual practices. It addresses contemporary challenges and considerations, making it relevant to today's readers.Empowering and Supportive Tone: The authors approach the subject matter with empathy and compassion, providing reassurance and encouragement to readers as they navigate the complexities of non-monogamous relationships. The book fosters self-acceptance, self-growth, and personal empowerment.Conclusion:"The Ethical Slut, Third Edition" is a comprehensive and invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring polyamory, open relationships, or alternative approaches to sex and love. With its practical advice, thought-provoking insights, and inclusive perspective, the book empowers readers to embrace their desires, communicate openly, and build consensual and ethical relationships. Whether you're new to non-monogamy or seeking to deepen your understanding, this book serves as a guide to navigate the complexities and possibilities of polyamory and open relationships.

The polyamory bible! A MUST READ FOR POLYAM PEOPLE and of course, if you are non-polyam but you want to improve your relationships and better yourself, you should definitely read this!It teaches communication, accountability, emotion control, sharing, how to apologize, jealousy control, polyamory philosophy and how to apply it. It is SO GOOD. No wonder it is written by two women!I love the new edition because the writes take accountability for errors they may have committed in the first edition

I'm only about a quarter the way through this book but I must say it is a great book. It definitely helps open up a person's mind to the fact that everyone in the world has experienced deep intimacy with people that they would not consider their mate before. It also points out that human behavior is more varied and complex than we normally think of when it comes to relationships.This book focuses on the idea that sex is not just the act of sex but is the intermingling of two or more people in a way that current society discourages.I can see why some people may dislike this book. The author uses the words and concepts of sex as a way to demonstrate the connection between people that should be explored. I feel like the author does this to desensitize the reader to allow the reader to openly explore the idea of connecting to people on different levels.If the concept of sex doesn't offend you beyond reason this book offers a lot of good advice when it comes to overcoming the shame that may come from close relationships.If sex is an uncomfortable for you then I would suggest while reading, in your mind, change all the occurances of the word sex to intimacy and you will see the value in this book. It even says in the beginning of the book that the word sex in this book is to describe the physical and emotional interpersonal relationships between people.All in all I think this book is a great guide to help a person open up and become closer to those around them and I hope the negative connotation to the terms polyamorous or sex won't stop a person from seeing the true value of the studies done by the doctors who wrote this book and the Kinsey Institute.I hope to learn more about the psychology and relationship studies viewed through actual observation studies and not the bias lens of our current christian based system.

A book I couldn’t put down and had it read in a few days. I definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to understand polyamory. Great for those new to the lifestyle as well as people having been it for years. A great read even if you are monogamous.