What Is A Polyamorous Relationship And How Does It Work?

Have you ever heard the term polyamory thrown around and wondered what it meant? Maybe you’ve been unknowingly and incorrectly (oops) using it to describe an ‘open’ relationship or even confused it with polygamy, a similar-sounding but illegal practice within Australia. Truthfully, this type of relationship leaves a lot of room for confusion and it’s one of those terms we’re all just meant to know but no one’s ever explained.

So, whether you’re here to educate yourself on a dating style that might suit your lifestyle or you’re just curious as to what it all means, here is a breakdown on what exactly a polyamorous relationship really is.

What is a polyamorous relationship?

Polyamory refers to a romantic relationship with more than one partner at once. This kind of relationship relies on the complete consent all involved parties.

What are the rules of polyamory?

To partake in a polyamorous relationship, all members of the partnership must be involved and in agreeance of the situation. Different relationships within a polyamorous relationship may include people of different genders or sexual preferences.

Despite these two overarching principles, the ‘rules’ largely come down to the people involved. If you’re partaking, be clear on the requirements of your relationship early. By setting respectful boundaries around safe sex practices, time spent with each other versus external partners, plus what details are to be shared with friends and family, your polyamorous relationship has the best chance of being respectful and free from conflict and trust issues.

Is it cheating if you are polyamorous?

No. A polyamorous relationship is completely consensual and both parties in the relationship are aware that there are romantic and physical relationships occurring outside of their partnership.

FAQs

Are there any polyamorous celebrities?

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith

“The experiences that the freedoms that we’ve given one another and the unconditional support, to me, is the highest definition of love,” Will told GQ.

Nico Tortorella

Star of Younger, Nico Tortorella told them, “we became polyamorous without ever really trying, and we let each other go so often; I guess we finally realised it’s the reason we are impenetrable,” speaking of their marriage to Bethany Meyers.

What is the difference between polyamory vs polygamy?

Polyamory refers to a legal, consensual romantic relationship with multiple partners. Polygamy, on the other hand, refers to having multiple marital spouses and is illegal in Australia.

Are there different polyamorous relationship types?

Under the polyamory umbrella, there are multiple forms in which a relationship can take. Firstly, the hierarchy of partners. In some polyamorous relationships there are primary and secondary partners. This is an optional way to structure your relationship and doesn’t suit everyone.

Your ‘primary partner’ is typically the person you live with, are married to, or perhaps have children with.

Whereas the secondary partner (or partners) is someone who you’re romantically involved with, however, don’t have the commitment of marriage or shared finances.

Secondly, polyamorous relationships may differ depending on the amount of people involved. For example, a ‘polyamorous quad’ is when a poly couple meets another poly couple and then begin a second tier relationship with each other and their partners.

Is being polyamorous the same thing as being in an open relationship?

Both polyamorous and open relationships share similar characteristics, ie. they are both non-monogamous, consensual relationships. Howeverm, a polyamorous relationship with multiple partners typically includes feelings of intimacy and a more solid commitment to each individual they are in a relationship with, as opposed to an open relationship which is often only physical.

Have you ever been in a polyamorous relationship? If not, would you like to?