Are figures like Lily Allen and Lindy West giving non-monogamy a bad name?

Our appetite for hearing more about open relationships is increasing. While monogamy may have been considered a given in previous generations, the big "tick" of conventional relationships, Google search interest in "ethical non-monogamy" (ENM) has increased astronomically, with searches increasing by 400 percent over the last five years. IRL, more people are considering giving ethical non-monogamy a whirl. In June 2025, Feeld's State of Dating report found that a third of heterosexual men and 11 percent of women in the UK said they'd be open to more than one long-term partner. Perhaps it's not surprising, then, that representations of ENM have become increasingly visible in pop culture, from HBO's Industry to high-profile memoirs to Lily Allen's West End Girl. But how exactly do these books, TV shows, and albums represent ethical non-monogamy and do they get it "right"? AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups Open relationships appear to be everywhere right now, from our shelves to our screens. Writer Lindy West's explosive memoir Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane explored her experiences of polyamory within her marriage,