Are you wondering what polyamorous relationship means or do you already know?
Have you heard this term before but not clear about its meaning or how these relationships work? Well, let’s discuss.
A polyamorous relationship is the practice of having more than one open romantic relationship. Yeah! People express love in different ways and no relationship is the same, which is why polyamory and the ability to have a relationship with more than one person has become an increasingly common topic of discussion. It is more and more becoming a daily topic for all genders and age groups.
Are you one of those who are involved in a polyamorous relationship and think it is weird? Are you shy about discussing such relationships with friends? Do you have a different belief and knowledge about polyamory? Are you in a polyamorous relationship which you are unaware of? It sounds crazy right?
While technically the meaning of polyamory mentioned above is correct, it is also argued that the word consent shouldn’t be left out. People in a polyamorous relationship should be aware of and agree to the relationship’s dynamics, emotions and needs from the outset; and every time the dynamics change, they should adapt to the changing narratives.
Thus, it can be said that polyamory is having more than one serious sexual relationship at the same time. Exciting right?
1) It Is a Form of Consensual Non-Monogamy
A monogamous relationship is when two persons are exclusively committed to each other. A consensual non-monogamy on the other hand involves relationships with more than one person, with the consent of everyone involved. However, polyamory is just one of the ways to practice consensual non-monogamy.
2) It Is Not Cheating
Are polyamorous people cheating on their partners? Nope! This is a common misconception.
Cheating includes deception and betrayal; when there is no agreement between you and your partner to be entangled with another person and you go ahead to get involved in a sexual relationship without them knowing.
3) It is Not About a Lack of Commitment
Commitment for monogamous people can mean expressing love by putting time, trust and respect for shared agreements into a relationship with another person. But it can take different shapes for different people.
People aren’t polyamorous because they are unhappy about committing to a relationship. They just have a different idea about life and relationships.
4) It Doesn’t Mean Group Sex
If having sex all the time sounds exhausting to you, then you should know that plenty of people in polyamorous relationships would agree with you.
While polyamory can include sexual relationship with more than one person, it’s not about having sex with multiple people at the same time.
5) It is Unique and Stress Free
Yeah! In reality, polyamorous relationships are multiple, loving partnerships. It is a relationship which requires limited energy, loyalty, commitment and love because one can derive satisfaction from any of their multiple partners.
Why tie down to a single partner when you can explore your sexual cravings with more people? However, polyamorous relationship has its pros and cons and thus, involving in a sexual relationship with multiple people has a higher risk of contracting sexual transmitted infections. But this can be prevented by taking necessary precautions such as using contraceptives and testing regularly.
Do you have something to share? Leave your comments below, contact us on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok or send us an email to info@findmymethod.org. For more information on contraception, visit findmymethod.org
About the author: Mariama Janet Deen is a Law student at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone; a writer at Nafisa Magazine, CEO of catering service Lumbeh’s Delight; and a youth advocate.