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Polyamory refers to a form of ethical non-monogamy involving committed romantic relationships between two or more people. Being in such a relationship means that you and your partner are allowed to be dating other people.

Polyamorous relationships have become very common and most people believe that polyamory doesn’t work or that such relationships are doomed from the beginning. In truth, polyamory is a style of relationship that works for some people. Respect and communication are key elements that make relationships work.

Polyamory works for a number of people while other people prefer monogamy to polyamory. Such relationships can be healthy and fulfilling depending on the behaviours and circumstances of the people who get into such relationships.

What Is The Difference Between Polyamory and Polygamy

Polygamy and polyamory are different. While polygamy involves marrying more than one person at the same time, polyamory doesn’t involve marriage. The latter are not necessarily sexual in nature but they can be.

Polyamorous relationships can look different to various people. You can employ different boundaries and structures in polyamory. Each polyamorous person can set their own boundaries based on what suits them:

 

Polyfidelity

In this form of polyamory, partners in a group agree not to be involved in romantic relationships with people who are not in the group.

Triad

This form of polyamory involves three people who are all dating one another, it’s also called a throuple.

Quad

This is a relationship involving four people all of whom are dating one another.

Vee (V)

A form of polyamory where one person dates two different people but these two people don’t date one another.

Some polyamorous people lack a structured set-up. All they do is have multiple romantic relationships and go with the flow as they meet new people.

Hierarchy In Relationships

Polyamorous relationships can either be hierarchical or non-hierarchical.

A hierarchy simply means prioritizing one relationship over another. For instance, if you are married, you can consider that a primary relationship while the rest of the relationships are referred to as secondary relationships.

Alot of controversial discourse surrounds hierarchical relationships on whether they are fair or not. According to a 2021 research study, people in non-hierarchial polyamorous relationships are as satisfied as those in hierarchical polyamorous relationships.

Polyamorous relationships change as people’s feelings, personal circumstances and relationships change and that’s why communication is emphasized in polyamorous groups. Talking about your personal needs, feelings and boundaries is important in maintaining healthy relationships.

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