What is Polyamory?

Polyamory is a topic that has gained increased attention and acceptance in recent years, but it still remains somewhat controversial and misunderstood by many people in society. In this blog I want to help dispel some of the myths about polyamory and offer the perspective of someone who has lived it in a safe and nurturing place. Put simply, polyamory is a non-monogamous relationship style in which someone has multiple romantic and/or sexual partners with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. In this blog post, I hope to explore some of the nuances and benefits of polyamory, as well as some of the common misconceptions surrounding this relationship style to open the door to questions and serve as an introduction for those new to polyamory.

The Importance of Consent in Polyamory

One of the key aspects of polyamory is consent. All partners involved must be aware and comfortable with the arrangement, and there must be clear communication about boundaries and expectations. Without consent, a relationship cannot be fully fulfilling for all involved parties.

Clearly communicating boundaries and expectations is crucial to the success of any polyamorous relationship. This means not only being honest about one's desires and needs, but also being willing to listen and respect the desires and needs of each partner. This requires a high level of emotional intelligence and communication skills, which can be developed over time with practice and experience.

Forms of Polyamory

Polyamory can take many different forms, depending on the preferences and desires of the individuals involved. Some polyamorous relationships involve a group of three or more people who are all in a committed relationship with each other, living together and sharing a household. In other cases, individuals may have multiple partners who they do not live with or share a household with.

It's also important to note that polyamorous relationships can be hierarchical or non-hierarchical. In a hierarchical relationship, one partner may be considered the "primary" partner while others are considered secondary. In a non-hierarchical relationship, all partners are considered equal.

Reasons for Pursuing Polyamory

There are a lot of reasons why people such as myself choose to pursue a polyamorous relationship style. Some people feel that they’re not able to fully express their love and affection for multiple people in a monogamous relationship which can lead to confusion, self doubt, and self hatred. Polyamory offers the opportunity to explore different types of relationships, dynamics, and emotional connections that may not be possible in a monogamous relationship.

Another benefit of polyamory is it provides a sense of community and support that typically isn’t found in a traditional monogamy. There is a shared understanding and respect between all partners involved, which creates a safe environment that can foster personal growth and self-discovery. I know personally it’s allowed me to not only grow as a person, but also find others that encourage and support me as I do.

Sexual Exploration in Polyamory

One common misconception about polyamory is that it is simply a way for people to have multiple sexual partners without emotional involvement. While sexual relationships certainly play a role in many polyamorous relationships, there is often a deep emotional connection between partners as well.

In fact, one potential benefit of polyamory is the ability to explore different aspects of one's sexuality and desires. In a traditional monogamous relationship, individuals may feel limited in their ability to fully express themselves sexually or explore different kinks and fetishes. In a polyamorous relationship, individuals may be able to find partners who share their interests and are willing to explore new sexual experiences together.

Challenges of Pursuing Polyamory

While there’s many benefits to pursuing a polyamorous relationship style, it’s important to say that it’s not for everyone. Just like any other relationship style, it requires a lot of work, communication, and emotional intelligence to maintain healthy and fulfilling relationships.

In addition, polyamorous relationships are not always accepted or understood by society. With as far as we’ve come as society to be accepting and open minded it can be hard for some to understand and accept, which is why some who choose a polyamorous relationship style don’t disclose it. Individuals who choose to pursue polyamory may face discrimination or judgment from those who do not understand or approve of their lifestyle.

It is important for the people involved in polyamorous relationships to have a support system and be prepared to deal with potential negative reactions from others. This can be done by finding like-minded people within the polyamorous community, seeking counseling or therapy if needed, and being honest and upfront about their relationships with friends and family. Granted every family dynamic is different, which is why only my close friends know about my relationships.

To sum it all up, polyamory is a complex and unique relationship style that can offer many benefits for those who are interested in exploring it. Think of it as the Rubik’s cube of relationships where you find something new each turn you make and finding the mix that is most fulfilling for you. As society becomes more progressive and accepting of alternative relationship styles, it’s likely that we’ll see more people choose to pursue polyamory as a healthy option for their love lives. Ultimately, it’s up to each person to explore their desires and needs to determine if polyamory is the right fit for them.