**TL;DR: Monogamy isn't 'natural' in the sense that our earliest primates didn't engage in it. And even now humans aren't fully monogamous like for example [most birds are] (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/02/which-birds-mate-for-life/). Rather, we have evolved to be 'socially monogamous', meaning that we form couples but these are not necessarily exclusive or permanent.** - Monogamy is not an instinct [encoded into our DNA] (https://www.latimes.com/opinion/la-xpm-2012-jun-01-la-le-0601-friday-monogamy-20120601-story.html). It has just become the social norm (in the west at least) because of its evolutionary benefits. - [Among other things] (https://www.nature.com/articles/srep32472), this is because compared to other animals, [humans are born very incapable and helpless] (https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/why-humans-give-birth-to-helpless-babies/#:~:text=Although%20newborns%20of%20other%20primate,their%20brains%20are%20comparatively%20underdeveloped.&text=Human%20babies%20are%20thus%20born,fit%20through%20the%20narrow%20passageway.). We are very reliant on others during our early development. Because of this, we need a family/parental unit. - It's less of a 'natural' instinct and more of something that has become normalised and habitual for us as a species. - Psychologists have referred to a 'love-is-blind bias' that contributes towards monogamy in humans. This bias consists of couples who are in love overestimating each other's attractiveness and positive attributes. They believe that this is a ["necessary illusion ... that evolved as a special adaption to guarantee our reproductive success."] (https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/culture-mind-and-brain/201610/did-we-evolve-be-monogamous)

There are plenty of animals who mate for life with a single, exclusive partner who would disagree with this.

**It depends what you mean by 'natural'...** - On one level, this statement is true. Evolutionary professor Dr David Barash says that we are [biologically 'made' for polygamy](https://time.com/4028151/david-barash-is-monogamy-over/), the size difference between men and women being one indicator of this. The lived experience of many who struggle to either commit, or feel satisfied in a monogamous relationship would also suggest that monogamy is not 'natural.' Recent research suggests that [42% of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce.](https://www.crispandco.com/site/divorce-statistics/), and there are plenty more people living in unhappy monogamous relationships. - It seems that monogamy is more of a social norm. But does this really make monogamy 'unnatural'? There is a reason that so many people crave long term, committed relationship with one person. Besides commitment, people want the financial and family stability that mongamous relationships provide for many in our society. Even if a preference for monogamy is down to pressure from society, [following social norms is also 'natural.'](https://theconversation.com/conform-to-the-social-norm-why-people-follow-what-other-people-do-107446) - Many people strongly desire to be in committed monogamous relationships, and would prefer them over the less restricting but more jealousy-inducing open relationships, or no relationship at all. Just because we also experience other conflicting impulses doesn't make monogamy unnatural.

**Is monogamy human nature?** • [Monogamy](https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-monogamy-definition-history-quiz.html) is the practice of engaging in a committed sexual relationship with only one partner. • Monogamy seems to be natural for some animals. Studies of the sexual patterns of animals have found that many animals [mate exclusively for life](https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/55019/10-monogamous-animals-just-want-settle-down), including multiple types of [birds](https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/02/which-birds-mate-for-life/), wolves, octopods, gibbons, and worms. • Many humans engage in monogamous relationships. Many value the principles of monogamy, and believe that these kind of relationships offer ultimate stability, intimacy, and support for both partners. Some sociologists have argued that monogamy is a part of human nature, as male humans have always [fathered their children](https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/between-the-sheets/201904/is-monogamy-natural) unlike many animals, as a way of ensuring their paternity. • Many argue that lifelong monogamy isn’t natural for humans, and cite [high divorce rates](https://www.theperspective.com/debates/living/is-monogamy-natural/) as a result of societal pressure to commit to monogamous relationships. • Many people enjoy casual sex with multiple partners, and find this lifestyle fulfilling. Some people identify as [polyamorous](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325880), and consensually engage in committed relationships with multiple partners.

Of course it's natural. It's just that it's not the only thing that's natural. Polygamy is also natural. Dying before you mate at all is natural. Also... not really sure why nature gets brought up so much. So what if it's natural or unnatural? That doesn't tell us if it's a good idea. Getting an MRI aint natural