A polyamorous relationship means you have an open and honest intimate relationship with more than one person at a time. This is different to an open relationship as polyamory is more the emotional and sexual or romantic intimacy between partners.
“People who are polyamorous can be heterosexual, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and relationships between polyamorous people can include combinations of people of different sexual orientations.”
– Verywellmind.com
A polyamorous relationship is not:
Cheating. Cheating involves deceit and betrayal but in polyamory, the relationship is disclosed to all involved.
A fear of commitment. It doesn’t mean you’re unable to commit. In a polyamorous relationship you can be committed and trustworthy – but just with a different set of agreements than that of monogamy.
An easy way to have sex in a group. An individual could have two sexual partners and only enjoy having sex with one of them at a time.
How to manage a healthy polyamorous relationship
To be in a healthy polyamorous relationship all people involved should share the same values and that makes it easier. Healthline.com suggests the following:
Trust in any relationship is vital. All involved should feel trusted to practice safe sex with others and trust that there will be open communication about the other people involved.
Have open and flowing communication with each other. When you’re in a polyamorous relationship you have multiple people’s feelings to consider.
Respect each others time, feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. When everyone involved respects each other it’s easier to navigate through things such as conflict and opposing viewpoints.
How to explore polyamory
So you’re thinking of exploring polyamory but you’re in a monogamous relationship? The first step is to openly talk to your partner about it.
This might be challenging but to make things easier Webmd.com suggests:
- Inviting them to watch movies or documentaries about polyamorous relationships
- Asking them what they think about polyamorous people you both know
- Asking them their thoughts about a non-monogamous celebrity
- Sending them an article about polyamory
Remember:
Being honest will prevent you from hurting your partner’s feelings. So tell them exactly how you’ve been feeling. Get everything out on the table.
There’s no need to rush into a polyamorous relationship. If your partner needs time to think about what you’ve disclosed then respect that.