Do Gen Z believe in monogamy?

Love, commitment, and Gen Z: What’s going on?

Let’s be honest: if you’re a parent reading this, you’ve probably wondered if your Gen Z child (born 1995–2010) is allergic to traditional relationships. One minute, they’re talking about a “situationship,” the next, they mention their “polycule,” and before you can even Google what that means, they’re discussing “relationship anarchy.” Meanwhile, you want to know if they’re seeing someone serious.

Gen Z approaches love, commitment, and relationships very differently from Boomers and Millennials (born 1980–1994). But before you panic and think that romance is dead, let’s break it down—and maybe even help you understand (or at least pretend to at family dinners).

So, do they believe in monogamy?

Yes—and also no. Many Gen Zers still value monogamy. They fall in love, have committed partners, and feel jealous when their crush likes someone else’s Instagram post. The difference? They see monogamy as a choice, not a default. For them, being with one person forever isn’t just something you do because society says so—it’s a conscious decision because it works for them. And if it doesn’t? They’re open to exploring other options as long as they are ethical and consensual.

Why has love gotten so… complicated?

• They grew up watching relationships crash and burn:
  Many Gen Zers witnessed high divorce rates, messy breakups, and marriages that felt more like legal contracts than love stories. No wonder they’re skeptical. They want relationships rooted in emotional connection, not just societal norms.
• The Internet broke the dating game:
  Gone are the days of meeting people at work, school, or in person. Gen Z grew up in the age of dating apps, where hundreds of potential matches are just a swipe away. With this much choice, exclusivity isn’t always the only option.
• They care about mental health and boundaries:
  Gen Z prioritizes self-care, emotional intelligence, and therapy. They won’t force themselves into traditional relationship models if they don’t align with their well-being. Instead, they explore options that feel emotionally sustainable.
• Labels? Who needs ‘em?
  This generation values fluidity—whether in gender, identity, or relationships. They don’t like being boxed into one definition of love. Some prefer monogamy, others lean toward polyamory, and some just want to see where things go without rigid expectations.

The modern relationship dictionary: A cheat sheet for parents

To help you keep up at the next family gathering, here’s a quick guide to today’s relationship styles:

• Monogamy: One partner at a time—classic and still popular.
• Serial Monogamy: One partner at a time, but repeatedly over life stages.
• Situationship: More than a fling, less than a relationship—ambiguous and often confusing.
• Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM): Both partners agree to see other people—honesty over cheating.
• Polyamory: Loving multiple people simultaneously—open and honest.
• Open Relationship: A committed couple allowing romantic or physical connections with others.
• Relationship Anarchy: No fixed rules or expectations—just mutual agreements.
• Friends with Benefits (FWB): Friendship with added intimacy—no strings attached.
• Queerplatonic Relationship (QPR): Deep, committed partnership without necessarily being romantic.
• Long-Distance Relationship (LDR): Navigating love through FaceTime and memes.
• Metaverse Relationship: Yes, some people are dating in VR—welcome to the future.

Final Thoughts: It’s not about destroying love—It’s about redefining it

If all this sounds overwhelming, take a deep breath. At the core, Gen Z still wants love, connection, and meaningful relationships. They want the freedom to shape those relationships in a way that works for them.

Instead of seeing this as the end of monogamy, consider it an expansion of choice. And if you’re ever confused by their relationship lingo, smile, nod, and say, “As long as you’re happy, I support you.” Trust me, it works every time.