Things You Need To Know Regarding Polyamorous Relationships
Monogamish, ethical slut, polyamorous, part of a polyamorous relationship – these are only some of the many terms out there referring to people who are involved in non-monogamous relationships. As you may know, polyamory is a practice or a form which in the past few years has become a more widely known term.
For those who are not familiar with the terminology, according to the Urban Dictionary, the word ‘Polyamory’ is the practice, state or ability to have more than one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved which by definition means loving more than one.
Nevertheless, often are the times where people have misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding what ‘polyamory’ actually stands for. According to the HuffingtonPost, one of the most common misconceptions is that polyamorous relationship is no different from ‘an open-relationship agreement.’ While, in reality, according to Renee Divine, L.M.F.T, a sex and relationships therapist in Minneapolis, MN:
“An open relationship is one where one or both partners have a desire for sexual relationships outside of each other, and polyamory is about having intimate, loving relationships with multiple people.”
Polyamory or/and being in a polyamorous relationship versus being in an open relationship are both forms of consensual non-monogamy which differ from one another in style, and that depends whether you are looking for more sex or more love. Polyamorous relationships are for emotional attachment and not about sleeping around.
Now that you have a clear idea what the terminology stands for and you are familiar with the differences between an open relationship and a polyamorous one, it is time to get a sense of what some other aspects of polyamorous relationships are.
Signs you are polyamorous, pros and cons of these kinds of relationships, and forms of polyamory are going to be the focus of this article.
1. Signs that you might be into polyamorous relationships
You have had past relationships, but for some reason, they always felt off and somehow, you choke every time thinking to commit to someone. Now you’re freaking out while putting your finger on WHY is this happening to you… Right after freaking out, guilt and confusion hop on, what the hell is going on? Does that mean I am a horrible person who can’t be faithful? Not really, maybe you’re just polyamorous. AND, you already know the term for the kind of relationship structure you are seeking for!
According to ThoughtCatalog here are a few signs that you may be polyamorous rather than thinking you are bad at relationships.
1. You have trouble committing.
2. You believe that one person cannot meet all of your physical and emotional needs and that they shouldn’t have to try.
3. You love getting to know lots of new people. Life is about making deep soul-to-soul connections with people you never expected.
4. You believe that you have a lot to offer potential partners. You’re so amazing that it would be selfish to keep you all to yourself!
5. The idea of your partner with someone else doesn’t make you jealous; actually, it turns you on.
6. You believe that you have a lot of love to give, and that love should be spread out among multiple people.
In case you checked all of them out, then according to ThoughtCatalog, welcome to the polyamorous club.
2. Pros and Cons of polyamorous relationships
Just like any relationship structure, poly relationships have both pros and cons. We all know how to do monogamy, right? But polyamory is quite a bit more individualized and comes with a different set of complications, yet it has it’s good sides too. Whether you’re a newbie to the poly world or just curious, here are some thoughts of the pros and cons of polyamorous relationships according to Consciouspolyamory.
Some of the pros one has in a polyamorous relationship by Conciouspolamory are: Personal growth, freedom, acceptance, expanded love, clarity, expanded opportunities and added support.
While the cons or/and pitfalls of these type of relationships are: jealousy, complexity, health risks, social ostracism, small dating pool, negotiating change, raising the bar.
3. Forms of polyamorous relationships
Relationships are unique; there are a few traits that can define each type. Every new relationship you are part of is a whole new experience, even if you’ve been in several relationships already. The controlling, open, negotiation, asexual, polyamorous relationship are some of the relationship types one might find themselves in. We will take a moment and stop in the last one, polyamorous relationship which consists of different forms.
One of the forms of this type of relationship is ‘the triad’ one which A triad is a polyamorous relationship between three people. Usually, this refers to a relationship where all three people are actively involved with each other (A is dating B, B is dating C, and A is dating C), also known as a “delta” or “triangle” triad or the more recent “throuple.”
Another form of polyamorous relationships is ‘the V.’ In this one, two people are both dating one person (the hinge) but not each other. These relationships can be either open or closed/poly-fi.
And, lastly ‘the quad’ relationship which describes a four-person polyamorous relationship. Due to the nature of how a quad is formed, each member does not necessarily have romantic or sexual involvement with every other member. Quads often form when two polyamorous couples take an interest in one another. Members of quad relationships are often confused as swingers. They appear to be in a committed relationship but are often seen with other people. It differs from swinging in the sense that the four members of the quad are committed to the relationship.
Disclaimer: The aim of this article is simply informative! Every caution has been taken to provide readers with the most accurate information.