Are Humans Naturally Meant To Pair For Life or Have Many Partners?

Question

What is natural and instinctual for humans?

Many of us pair for life and wouldn't want it any other way. While many still have multiple wives or can't stop cheating.

In the animal kingdom, animals seem to be one way or the other. I own bird species from both sides. The species that pair for life, I have NEVER seen them 'cheat'. They are always with the same partner until one of them dies.

Is there naturally one way or the other for humans? Is it because we have a choice and are more intelligent that we go both ways?
Is having one partner for life unnatural to us? Or is that how it's really meant to be?

Answer 1

This is a toughy. I feel that we can have more than one soul mate. So perhaps in keeping with that line of reasoning, we are meant to have more than one partner.

Answer 2

I believe we are meant to be paired for life, but, being human, with brains (or not) and the want of constant attention, ego-boosts, we tend to stray, looking for the ultimate in happiness. "Always greener on the other side of the fence" syndrome. I've been married 20 years, not all easy either, and there are times I've thought marriage should be a renewable contract every 10 years! But if two people really try and love, with NO abuse, it can be done.
I loved your use of the birds. I always think we can learn a lot from the animal kingdom, but which animals?

Answer 3

Evolution is a mindless, natural process that cannot grant meaning, therefore the phrase "meant to be" has no meaning under evolution.

Perhaps the process of evolution has set up some mechanism that gives us a shot of feel-good drug when we have certain thoughts but that does not constitute "meant to be", rather that seems more like a drug addiction.

The phrase "meant to be" presupposes an intelligence, i.e. God. If we believe there may be a God, we ought to inquire with God as to what was "meant to be". If we reject God, then we really have no choice but to go the direction the feel-good drugs point to, i.e. just do what we feel like doing.

Answer 4

Life is about evolving. learning, greater awareness, growing, raising consciousness etc., if both people in a relationship have similar goals, are in agreement, work together to progress on their lives path, they will do well for a lifetime. Not all have the same vision, the same beliefs or work toward the same goals so not all relationships are useful for both people for an entire lifetime.
If one found themself married to an alcoholic or addict of some kind I don't know if they would really value a lifetime committment as much value.

Answer 5

You know that even Jesus was asked and he said that man was meant to be alone (not paired) to truly do God's work, but if man was to be with someone, he should select one person only. In other words, no adultry. Commit yourself to one love. Look at all the sexual transmitted diseases out there. He could have the answer there, you know.

Answer 6

Not really.

Though we have many instincts, our brains forbid us from following explicitly. Reason and judgement are also instinctual. So in other words, our instincts are tainted. Some of us are inclined toward monogamy, while others of us are not.

In my opinion, that is.

Answer 7

Pair for life. that's the ultimate goal and happiness, but not so many can achieve.

Answer 8

as what the bible says....go and multiply
it is just natural for human to have many wives or husbands...it is not a crime as long as that wife or husband of yours don't have any one yet...

.............hmmmmm.....but for me...it is better to have one partner...you can see their the reality of what they called - love
............you can also show how you care her/him....

......you... what do you prefer...one or more partners? think wisely.......!!!!!!!!