Questions: Relationships

Among wild animals closely related to our species, the dominant male of the group often has access to all the females. In that sense, polygyny benefits an elite minority, while the majority of males are left without mating opportunities. I believe that with the rise of settled societies, it was men themselves who developed monogamy. This ensured that virtually every man would have a chance to find a wife.

Yet when we look at the outcome, many marriages seem to end up with constant nagging, constant complaints that the husband is never good enough, or women cheating on their husbands and walking away with alimony or financial settlements after divorce.

When people hear the word polygyny, they usually picture "being a man's fourth wife." What is often forgotten, however, is that men are not equal in terms of status, wealth, or power. As a result, many women would rather be the mistress of a wealthy man than marry a poor one.

There is even a Turkish saying that reflects this idea:

"Fakirin prensesi

zenginin metresi"

It is also worth noting that throughout history, polygyny often became more common after wars had significantly reduced the male population, leaving many women widowed. In such circumstances, taking multiple wives was seen as a way of providing those women with protection and support.

But you'd know for the rest of your life that they weren't a natural version of themselves... they were a forced version created by you.