S2E11: Open For Business: A Discussion of Ethical Non-Monogamy

Dateable AF Show Notes: E2:E11

Rachel and Sarah discuss Ethical Non-Monogamy (1)

Producer: Jordan Cannon & Shelly Silvey Grabe

Theme Song: Cade Kyle

Cover Photo: Mackenzie Mowat

Dateable AF is a podcast about all things lesbian dating—or queer dating—or women-who-date-women dating. Whatever letter you vibe with, if you're a woman who dates women, this one's for you.

Hosted by two longtime friends, this show dives into the wild, wonderful, and often WTF world of dating women—with honesty, humor, and zero shame. Expect smart takes, relatable stories, and the occasional U-Haul reference.

Contrary to popular belief, ethical non-monogamy isn’t a free-for-all — it’s more like a team project with a lot of Google Calendar invites. 🗓️✨

In this episode of Dateable AF, Sarah and Rachel unpack what ethical non-monogamy (ENM) really means — and spoiler: it’s not just about sex. It’s about honesty, consent, emotional growth, and learning that love isn’t a limited resource.

We cover: 💡 What ENM actually is — from open relationships and swinging to polyamory and relationship anarchy. 🚫 Common misconceptions — “It’s an excuse to cheat,” “ENM people don’t get jealous,” and “It never works long-term.” ❤️ Why people choose ENM — curiosity, freedom, emotional honesty, and yes, better communication. 🧭 Keys to making it work — radical honesty, emotional regulation, clear boundaries, and (you guessed it) Google Calendar. ⚠️ When it goes wrong — saying “yes” when you mean “maybe,” using ENM to avoid commitment, or forgetting empathy along the way. 🌈 Advice for the curious — how to explore the idea safely, talk it through, and decide if it’s actually for you.

Because being open isn’t about loving more people — it’s about learning to love more honestly. 💖

💭 Discussion Prompts

• On a scale of 1–10, how open are you to the idea of non-monogamy?
• What parts of openness feel appealing — and what parts make you nervous?
• How do you define “honesty” and “boundaries” in your relationships?

We love hearing your thoughts and stories — send them to us on Instagram or via email for a chance to be featured in our next AFterparty episode! 💌

🎧 Next week: “Sealed with a Mess” — why kissing can be magic… or a total red flag.

💌 Thanks for tuning in to the Dateable AF Podcast, where we help you find your happy ending. Be bold, be kind, and for the love of queer dating — don’t text your ex.

Stay Dateable AF. 💙