I sometimes get asked questions about poly, what poly is, ho..

I sometimes get asked questions about poly, what poly is, how to be poly or the benefits and drawbacks. I thought I’d do a few posts over the next few days about common questions I get asked! But please feel free to ask any more questions in the comments and I’ll try to work through them all! I’ll start by defining some common aspect of polyamory. Generally nowadays the terms poly or ENM (Ethical Non Monogamy) have become umbrella terms for any of the following styles of relationship: Open Relationship: you have a primary partner and you are allowed sexual connections outside of the main relationship Polyamory: you are open to sexual AND romantic relationships with multiple partners. You are able to experience deep emotional connections with multiple partners. This can be hierarchical (you have a main partner who takes precedence and then secondary relationships, although these are more than sexual and you have emotional connections and even love for them all, without this aspect you’re in an open relationship) or non-hierarchical (all your partners are viewed as equals and you allow each relationship to unfold as it does with no one person holding any power). Polyfidelity: a closed relationship of three or more people Relationship anarchy: you don’t see any difference between friends, lovers, sexual, romantic and platonic relationships. All relationships are possible to you and you don’t like to be defined by traditional structures or rules when it comes to how each should be conducted Solo poly: your main relationship is with yourself and you’re open to relationships with others of varying degrees - but usually excludes monogamous agreements The main thread that runs through all styles of ENM relationships is consent, knowledge and honesty. If, for example, one partner does not know about another that would NOT fall under the poly/ENM umbrella. Under poly and ENM, individuals commit to honesty and communication with any and all partners and so at all times everyone understands fully where they are. This is the briefest overview - and for the sake of brevity enough for one post 😂 But I hope that helps with a few terms and gives a better idea of some of the different styles of ENM and poly relationships. There’s many more, the above are just a few and polyamorous relationships themselves can be arranged in a multitude of ways! Some where metamours (a metamour or “meta” is your lovers other partner) have differing levels of communication and friendships and all forms have their advantages and disadvantages - but that’s for another day ❤️ Over the years I’ve been involved in many different styles of ENM relationships, and it’s an incredible journey! But so is monogamy! And although ENM is becoming more popular, it certainly doesn’t mean people are more content. Whether non-monogamous or monogamous, communication and an open mind will be the make or break zone 🫶 And each style of relationship has incredible gifts in terms of learning and growing. I don’t want (by any means) to tout ENM as any kind of holy grail, what’s right for one time in our life may not be right in another! And monogamy can be an equally exciting journey ❤️ But I see poly gaining momentum (which is a great thing) and I get a lot of questions, so these posts will be more “food for thought” 🍰🥰