Autonomy

Autonomy describes an individual’s capacity to make choices, set personal boundaries, and maintain a sense of self inside and outside relationships. It includes practical independence—like control over time and decisions—and emotional independence, such as maintaining personal values and interests. In consensual-nonmonogamous settings, autonomy supports ethical agreements by ensuring partners consent freely and without coercion. Autonomy coexists with interdependence; healthy relationships balance self-governance and mutual responsibilities rather than demanding total self-sufficiency or complete merging.