Polyamory: 5 Things It Is And 5 Things It Isn't
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Polyamory: 5 Things It Is And 5 Things It Isn't

Being polyamorous doesn't make you a player or easy.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj4VqCplzE0/?tagged=polyamoryflag

As we all know, college is a time to experience new and exciting things. So many crazy adventures are ahead of us in terms of who we hang out with and what relationships we decide to have with those people.

I've come across a lot of posts on social media about open relationships, which I think is amazing but some of the people posting these things mostly seem to have the wrong idea of what they are.

I asked around on my favorite blogging site and came across people who are or have been in polyamorous or open relationships and this is what they had to say about what polyamory is and isn't.

1. Is...Loving and consensual.

https://www.facebook.com/Polyamory-Rights-330835903707393/

Polyamory is shared with people who love more than one person and each person consents to whatever dynamic the relationship is.

2. Is...A commitment you make with all partners.

https://findpoly.com/blog/polyamory-definitions/

You shouldn't make one partner a priority over the other or another. Like any relationship, your partners need to feel important no matter how many you have.

3. Is...Communication.

https://everydaypowerblog.com/commitment-quotes/

You must discuss what you want and need from each other. If there is no communication then there is no trust between partners.

4. Is... Filled with variables.

https://tacit.livejournal.com/332839.html

Polyamory has so many variables and dynamics. It isn't always three people dating each other or one person dating multiple people. Each and every relationship is as unique as the people in it.

5. Is...Tough

https://poly-coach.com/open-relationship-therapy/the-difference-between-open-relationships-polyamory-and-swinging/

Open relationships are tough but just like any relationship, if you care for one another, effort won't seem like a chore.

1. Isn't...Cheating.

https://www.sciencealert.com/psychological-predictors-infidelity-cheating-marriage

Polyamory isn't an excuse to cheat. If any of your partners don't know about the other, then it's considered cheating.

2. Isn't...A cure for your monogamous relationship problems

https://stock.adobe.com/images/close-up-portrait-of-a-bearded-man-holding-capsule/187713340?tduid=d1414bc8cba74cd03922b054bac1260c&as_channel=affiliate&as_campclass=redirect&as_source=arvato

Polyamory isn't something you just try so you can "fix" the existing problems you have in your current relationship. Chances are you'll have the same problems just with added people in the mix.

3. Isn't...A kink.

https://stock.adobe.com/images/riding-crop-a-whip-flogger-and-blindfold-mask-on-red-satin-kinky-sex-toys-for-dom-sub-sexual-games-and-other-forms-of-kink/108187469?tduid=d1414bc8cba74cd03922b054bac1260c&as_channel=affiliate&as_campclass=redirect&as_source=arvato

Polyamory isn't a kink you try out with your significant other to "spice" up your love life. It's a real thing that is shared between loving partners.

4. Isn't...A way to prove to people that you're date-able.

https://www.whoholdsthecardsnow.com/how-to-know-if-a-guy-is-playing-you/

You shouldn't be in any relationship to prove anything to anyone. Nine times out of ten, most friends don't really care if you're dating anyone or not.

5. Isn't...A way to solve your commitment issues.

https://stock.adobe.com/images/dictionary-series-attributes-commitment/10647935?tduid=d1414bc8cba74cd03922b054bac1260c&as_channel=affiliate&as_campclass=redirect&as_source=arvato

If you have issues with commitment, then polyamory isn't for you. Polyamory isn't the same as casual dating. It's still a relationship just with more than one person so if you can't handle commitment, then I suggest steering clear from any serious relationship.

These days, most people try harder and harder to avoid getting hurt. No one wants to get their heart broken but polyamory isn't the way around that. If you're in a polyamorous relationship for the wrong reasons, you could be the one that ends up hurting someone else instead of the other way around.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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