Polyamory has been stereotyped and misrepresented countless times over the years. People often confuse it with polygamy or assume it’s just a way to date multiple people with no consequences.
The reality is, polyamory works for a lot of people.
It’s not just an “excuse” to have multiple relationships, and it’s not the same as polygamy (being married to multiple partners).
Let’s take a closer look at how polyamory works. Whether you’ve been considering it for your own relationship or you know someone in a polyamorous relationship, educating yourself on the details makes it easier to let go of stereotypes.
What Is Polyamory?
On the surface, polyamory is ethical, consensual non-monogamy. Two or more people are in a committed relationship with the option of dating other people. A polyamorous person is typically open to having multiple romantic partners, and everyone else involved in their romantic relationship circle agrees with it.
How Does it Work?
While it might sound a little confusing to be dating multiple people at one time, most people in polyamorous relationships make it work thanks to rules and boundaries. It’s never okay for one person in a relationship to start dating someone else without having the consent of their partner. That’s not what polyamory is about.
The “set” of rules is different for each couple in this type of relationship, but some of the most common include:
- Consent
- Clear expectations
- Clear boundaries
- Exceptional communication
Other rules you might establish include keeping a distance from each other’s partners or always using protection during sexual encounters. Some of the biggest “no no’s” of a poly relationship include using it as a way to “fix” your current relationship or getting involved in a polyamorous lifestyle for the wrong reasons.
Are Polyamorous Relationships Successful?
Research has shown that most people in polyamorous relationships are just as happy and satisfied as those in monogamous unions.
Polyamorous relationships are successful if everyone agrees to the rules, and boundaries put in place. Most polyamorous people also understand that there needs to be flexibility as relationships move forward. Rules can change, and as long as everyone is on board it helps decrease challenges.
For those reasons, polyamorous relationships are often seen as highly communicative. There’s a great amount of trust, honesty, and transparency. Every relationship can benefit from that.
What Are Some Challenges?
Of course, like any other relationship, polyamory isn’t perfect. Even if you get into a relationship with someone who is comfortable being poly, there are risks involved, and it’s easy for the relationship to struggle as emotions start to shift.
Some of the biggest issues with polyamory are jealousy and comparison. When your focus is on more than one person, it’s natural for the other to get jealous or wonder what that other might person have that they lack. This can be especially problematic when one partner seems to be favoring a particular person over another.
Again, that’s why communication is so crucial in this relationship model.
Polyamorous relationships don’t always work out, and they aren’t the ultimate solution if you’re looking to break away from traditional relationship styles. However, it’s something worth considering if you want a romantic lifestyle that is diverse, communicative, and open.
Whether you think polyamory is for you or not, hopefully, this has cleared up some of the common stereotypes for you. As the lifestyle grows in popularity, chances are you’ll end up knowing at least one person in a polyamorous relationship. Being able to understand and support their lifestyle is important.
If you’re interested in learning more about polyamory or you’re questioning whether it’s the right relationship choice for you, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for information.