Make it clear that you value your partner. But first, tell your spouse how important they are to you and how much you appreciate your connection with them before bringing up the idea of polyamory. Remember that this isn't about blackmailing them into polyamory; it's about solidifying their place in your life.
(The term "polyamory" comes from the Greek word "poly," which means many, and the Latin word "amory," which means love.) Note that polyamory simply means you're open to the idea of loving more than one person; a person with one partner can still be polyamorous.
Essentially, being in a polyamorous relationship means that you and your partner have the option of dating other people. Polyamory is not the same as polygamy. Polygamy involves being married to more than one person at a time. Polyamory doesn't necessarily involve marriage.
Polyamorous respondents reported being “very happy with life” overall, while the general population stated that they were, “pretty happy with their life.” Polyamorous people also rated their personal health significantly higher than the general population as well.
Bringing It Up on the Date
In that case, bring it up on the first date. You: While we're getting to know each other, I should tell you that I'm polyamorous. I'm (currently in/currently not in) other relationships, but I believe in being able to have multiple relationships and won't be exclusive.
In the vast majority of polyamorous relationships, jealousy does come up at some point. However, jealousy can be broken down to determine what your real concerns are. When you recognize what is bothering you, it is possible to manage this challenging feeling.
A popular misconception about polyamorous people is that they can't cheat. A polyamorous person can cheat on their partners by ignoring agreed-upon boundaries about dating others, like not telling their partners when they have sex with new people.
Creating and maintaining multiple non-monogamous relationships is demanding, it takes organisation and excellent communication and time management skills in order for it to work and can consume huge amounts energy in order for it to stay working.
It's clear that more and more people are rejecting social conventions around love and relationships and embodying a more fluid approach to dating – and that includes openly polyamorous celebs like Willow Smith and Bella Thorne, as well as rumoured polyamorous celebs like Rita Ora, Taika Waititi and Tessa Thompson.
It's natural to think "why am I not enough?" But if your partner is polyamorous, it's not about you. You could be absolutely perfect in every way, and your partner would still be polyamorous. It's no picnic for the polyamorous member of the relationship, either.
A primary partner is the person at the top of the polyamorous structure. People don't always live with their primary partner. A secondary partner or partners are someone who exist outside of your relationship with your primary partner. This may not be someone you live with, but you are emotionally committed to them.
Kitchen Table Polyamory (KTP) refers to 'a style of polyamorous relationship in which the interrelationship of a network, and the integration of multiple romantic relationships into one life or group, is prioritised,' explains Jordan Dixon, a clinical sex and relationships psychotherapist.
Loyalty, then for polyamorists, can be defined as growing old together, caring for that person, being honest and respecting the commitments they've made in their relationship. Polyamory is not an excuse to cheat on your partners.
While many polyamorous relationships are characterized by a couple who openly and consensually pursues independent or joint relationships outside of their primary relationship, others practice polyamory by having multiple independent, separate relationships, or even relationships between three or more people.
Polyamory can be a side effect of trauma, but there is currently no solid evidence that it is related to childhood trauma. The only thing you need to be concerned about is consensual non-monogamy exacerbating symptoms of a pre-existing psychological condition.
Polyamory involves engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships with different people. Some people have a primary partner but are free to pursue casual relationships with others. A successful poly relationship involves regular check-ins with your partners and open communication.
Polyamorous individuals may use the word throuple to describe consensual relationships involving three people. People may also playfully or facetiously use throuple for a trio of people, such as close friends.