"As for the pair-bonding thing, it reads like it came out of a bible pamphlet. "This idea feels right, and is consistent with my ideology, so it must be right"."

Why do you think that? There are objective reasons for parents sticking together - success of the child and the economics of being in a pair tend to positive things. Although I will say that I don't know of any resources that investigate these on things like polygamy - they focus on the common stuff like marriage, divorce, and sometimes remarriage.

Sex isn't what makes people partners...

True. But given the practicalities it tends to be highly intertwined with a few exceptions.

> As for the pair-bonding thing, it reads like it came out of a bible pamphlet.

I just want you to know your reply with the bible pamphlet thing was really stupid.

To address you directly: It's scientifically proven, check out Oxytocin and see about the pair-bonding facilitation it does.

I'm not a dummy, but today you spoke to me like one. You won't always get someone to re-engage you, and that won't always be because you're right, sometimes we're just too disgusted to risk further entertaining your disrespect.

That Oxytocin is produced through MANY interactions that are not sex.

I think you're replying to the wrong person.

giantg2 is a swell person, I wrongly maligned them in this comment thinking the quote they posted was their own words in a flippant context.

I wholeheartedly apologize to giantg2. However for the record, other guy above can beat it.

You do realize that's a quote, right? Like look at the parent of that comment.

Ah, you are correct, my mistake. I owe you one. I have edited my comment with an apology, out of respect and as penance for the slander.