Other cultures have not just polygamous systems, but polyandrous too. These can be perfectly capable of being between adults who are not a member of any type of any cult. They also exist for reasons other than producing more children. Resource sharing and care, economics, and social status can have more to do with it in some areas where it is a norm. I realize it is an illegal and thus uncommon marriage system within the states, and that the media has more interest in portraying the typical child bride stories, but that is not a direct result or an aspect of bigamy in itself.
In America, I more commonly see "open marriages" where both spouses are married, but openly allow the other to have multiple relationships. But what I see most often are 'monogamous' relationships in the US that are....well, not. I also see plenty of monogamous marriages where love is not a component (and where this can work out just fine when both spouses realize and desire this), and where adults claim to love their children more than each other, have a favorite child, fall in love with people other than their spouse even if they do love their spouse, etc, so many people seem to have favorites or love outside of the singular form in general.
Nicola, you should hang with my husband. He hates hugs, and only accepts them from myself and his family. I'm not too fond of them myself (other than my husband), but I allow friends to hug me, and they probably don't even know that I do not derive enjoyment from said hugs and merely find them to be a sweet gesture that I tolerate from some. XD The thing that really gets me is the creepy arm rub some males I can clearly observe treating females in less than respectful ways try to pull on me (but strangely...only when my husband isn't around...hmmm.....).
But yes, your body, your preferences.
they don't get it.. Going to have to put my foot down next time...not tolerating it much longer.
