Charlie Sheen's Two Girlfriends

Polyamory is the practice of having multiple romantic relationships at the same time. Each romantic partner is fully aware of the open arrangement. Hollywood producer, Jerry Weintraub has been married for 50 years, yet he has a girlfriend who he publicly acknowledges.

Open relationships are controversial to say the least; however, after many days of the Charlie Sheen media blitz, it comes as no surprise that Charlie Sheen lives with his two girlfriends, Natalie Kenly and Rachel Oberlin-who he calls "The Goddesses." Kenly, a 24-year-old model and Oberlin, a 24-year-old porn star, seem quite at home with their living arrangement with Charlie Sheen.

As many will remember, Charlie Sheen isn't the first man to publicly have more than one girlfriend at the same time. His behavior is an obvious nod to the ultimate harem keeper, Hugh Hefner. The "Playboy" magazine founder once had three girlfriends at the same time. But, at 84-years old, Hef is slowing down. He is currently engaged to marry his 24-year-old fiancee, Crystal Harris. Obviously, Charlie Sheen feels compelled to pick up the slack.

During a "Today Show" interview, when asked about his relationship with Kenly and Oberlin, Sheen says, "These women don't judge me...They don't lead with opinion..." He says that when problems arise, they resolve matters together. "Everybody's vote has equal importance," he says. Although he admits, "...when we're approaching crisis, I remind them, 'Look, I'm 22 years further down the road ... My plan is gonna be the best one in the room."

Many celebrities reportedly have open relationships or marriages. However, few are willing to publicly admit it. One of the few celebrities brave enough admit to an open marriage is Mo'Nique, last year's Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in the movie "Precious" (2010). During the Academy Award "Barbara Walters Special," Mo'Nique describes her marriage to husband Sidney Hicks: "Could Sid have sex outside of his marriage with me? Yes. That's not a deal-breaker." Mo'Nique goes on to say, "That's not something that would make us say, 'Pack your things, and let's end the marriage.'"

The idea of an open relationship has become increasingly popular. The hit HBO show "Big Love" and the movie "Hall Pass," by the Farrelly Brothers, is making polyamory more popular than ever. While it may seem like a great idea-it is certainly a good idea for a TV show or movie- in real life, it may be more difficult. According to an article in Newsweek about polyamory, Rutgers University professor of biological anthropology, Dr. Helen Fisher, warns "Polyamory might sound like heaven to some: a variety of partners, adding spice and a respite from the familiarity and boredom that's doomed many a traditional couple. But humans are hard-wired to be jealous, and though it may be possible to overcome it, polyamorous couples are "fighting Mother Nature" when they try."

Sources:

Jessica Bennett, "Only You. And You. And You," Newsweek.com

Seamus McGraw, "Sheen on live-in 'goddesses': 'They don't judge me'," Today.msnbc.msn.com

"Full Show: Barbara Walters' Oscar Special," abcnews.go.com