Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Polyamory ever work?
Traditionalist finds it very hard to embrace the existence of polyamory in society. However, many find it challenging to settle into a committed and monogamous relationship. Happily-ever-after is not for everyone. According to a survey conducted by YouGov, nearly 32% of US adults say that their ideal relationship would be non-monogamous. On the flip side, when asked about how they would feel if a partner wants to keep the relationship non-exclusive, 67% agreed they wouldn't be ok with it. With such contradictory facts, it becomes confusing how to make polyamory work.
It all comes down to people involved in a polyamorous relationship. The couple needs to be on the same page when they start seeking a polyamorous relationship. Transparency and being open are the foundation for a successful open relationship. The people involved in ethical non-monogamous relationship emphasizes mutual reliance and willingness to work through conflicts. You need to flex with changing life transitions and be mentally prepared for things to go horrid at certain times.
The inherent flexibility and zeal for adventure in a person can provide a polyamorous relationship to flourish.
How does a polyamorous marriage work?
When people are struggling to work with one partner, imagine two or more. Since the boundaries in a polyamorous relationship are different from monogamous relationships, the rules are also different. For a poly relationship to work, honesty and flexibility are crucial. Both partners need to be physically and emotionally on board with the idea.
To make it work, first, you need to remove the preconceived notions about the poly relationship. It is not just about sex and is very different from a unicorn or open relationship. Emotional connections and love are the driving force of a polyamorous relationship.
What is polyamorous sexually?
The polyamorous relationship can depict a range of sexualities or none at all. The sexuality for polyamorous people is divided into 2 categories: polysexuality and polyfidelity.
- Polysexuality: It is a practice of having sex with multiple people either from same-sex or different. It can be an intimate experience involving just two people or escalate to group sex or orgies. Some polysexual can make it a public entertainment and arrange sex parties and swinging parties. Some try to include emotional intimacies into a relationship, while for some, it is all about having sex with as many partners as possible.
- Polyfidelity: When polyamorous people form a closed group where all members are considered equal are called polyfidels. The group members are restricted from having sexual relationships outside the group. Any relationship outside the group is considered infidelity. Such groups run on a set of rules.
What are the rules for polyamorous relationships?
There are a specific set of rules which polyamorous folks follow to make their relationship effortless and intact.
- Be upfront about your decision to be polyamorous.
- Be honest with your partner.
- Put equal efforts in all your relationships.
- New partners are not a medium to fix what is wrong in your primary relationships.
- Speak your feelings and share with your partners.
- Set clear boundaries.
- Take care of your health and get tested for STIs regularly.
- Learn to be happy with yourself.
Difference between polygamy and polyamory?
Many people confuse polygamy with polyamory. Though both types of relationships involve having more than one partner, there is a certain distinct difference between the two. Polygamy is when one person gets married to more than one partner, where polyandry covers the broader range of people. There are 5 ways to differentiate polygamy and polyandry.
- Gender: This is one of the most significant differences. Polyamory can be gender fluid, and both partners in a relationship can have multiple partners. Polygamy, on the other hand, allows only one of the partners can have multiple spouses. The most common form of polygamy is polygyny, where a male marries various women. Polyandry is instead a rare polygamy relationship, where one woman marries multiple men.
- Religion: Polygamy is generally a part of religious culture and structured around the concept of rich men having multiple wives. In the USA, two religious subcultures practice polygyny; African American Muslims and fundamentalists Mormons.
- Origin: Polygamy finds its origination since ancient times and is structured around religious beliefs. Polyamory, on the other hand, is a modern concept. The first wave of utopians, feminists, and anarchists advocate non-monogamous relationships. Later polyamory finds support in the 1960s and 70s sexual revolution, “free love.”
- Region: Polygamy is allowed in only certain parts of the world. In the US, polygamy is legal only in Utah because of the large Mormon population there. Polyamory is prevalent in countries where gender equality between men women is ranked high.
- Social Integration: Both polyamory and polygamy are considered taboo. In most places, polygamy and polyamorous relationships are illegal, even if they are consensual.
