Important Things To Know About Polyamorous Dating
Polyamory is officially defined as "the state or practice of having more than one open romantic relationship at a time." It is the opposite of the monogamy definition which is the practice of having a relationship with only one partner. Although this form of dating is somewhat unconventional and unorthodox, many people engage in these types of open relationships. However, polyamorous dating (or poly dating) is very different from exclusive dating and comes with its factors and potential pitfalls. Polyamorous people in polyamorous relationships or considering entering into polyamorous relationships should be aware of some very important things.
The Reason For Polyamorous Dating Matters
There is nothing inherently wrong with polyamory, and polyamorous people who engage in this form of dating should not be shamed or maligned at all. However, understanding the reasons for entering this relationship and making sure that these reasons are constructive is paramount for polyamory dating.
Many people willfully enter polyamorous relationships and engage in polyamory dating for various reasons. Some people choose an open relationship out of curiosity. Other people engage in polyamory for other reasons such as sexual gratification, personal satisfaction, etc. While consensual adults are more than within their rights to enter into whichever relationships they so choose, those who partake in polyamory and non monogamous dating for the wrong reasons are unlikely to fare well.
For instance, one of the worst reasons to engage in polyamorous dating is for the sake of attempting to heal a relationship by bringing in more people. One may feel dissatisfied with a primary partner, and so they wish to start casual dating to fix their current relationship. Sadly, some people enter into these types of relationships for that reason and, suffice it to say, it rarely ends well.
If a current relationship is in peril, that is an indicator of an already existing problem. Before any relationship can be healed, the root of the problem must be addressed and dealt with. Simply bringing in a new person or new people to create poly relationships is highly unlikely to solve the problem. Each person in the relationship should be on the same page and ensure that polyamory is not being used as an avenue of avoidance. One of the greatest equalizers between both monogamous and polyamorous relationships is that communication and handling issues as they arise matters and will greatly determine whether or not the connection lasts and succeeds. Serious relationships take work to transition from monogamous to non monogamous relationships.
Jealousy And Polyamory Do Not Mix…At All
Many people experience feelings of jealousy when their partner appears to be romantically close or affectionate with another individual. In moderation, a degree of jealousy is fine (and even sometimes desired). However, jealousy and polyamory are like water and oil: they simply do not mix. Polyamorous folx and the polyamorous community know this. The best polyamorous dating and relationships requires acceptance and trust. The world is wide, sexuality is broad and deep through real people, and it can take time and effort to connect with friends, date, and create relationships that support your lifestyle and help you find what you are seeking. In any community, different kinds of relationships, such as polyamory, is going to be great for several people, but the concept does not work well for everyone. Acceptance, trust, and the lack of scathing jealousy are important first steps.
If one or more party is unable to handle this without becoming angered, hurt, or envious with the reality of their significant another being with another person, polyamory may not be the best dating style for them, and that is OK.
Everyday Feminism cites various methods of curtailing jealousy in polyamorous relationships such as acknowledgment, discovering the underlying cause, communication, and self-assurance, etc. However, while addressing jealousy can sometimes prove helpful, if one or more polyamorous individuals are continuously experiencing ongoing jealousy, they will do well to sit down and truly evaluate whether or not they are in a relationship that is healthy and beneficial to their health and well-being.
Polyamory is not for everyone; rarely do relationships end well if one or more parties is not suited for polyamorous dating. As a rule, everyone should be on the same page and comfortable with the interrelationship.
Honesty Is Paramount In Polyamorous Relationships
Another great equalizer between monogamous relationship and polyamory relationships is the paramountcy of complete honesty. As previously stated, all parties involved in this type of dating should be on the same page. Truthfulness is important for polyamorous relationships to succeed. Although some people may view this as an obvious sentiment, not all individuals abide by it, and failure to engage in openness and honesty can engender many problems.
A lack of honesty, or furthermore, a lack of comfort with being honest with all involved partners, can signify deeper problems within the relationship. If one or more people find themselves struggling to be forthcoming and communicative with all of their partners, they should ask themselves why. What is causing their discomfort and lack of honesty? Are they truly comfortable in the relationship? Does one person put them on edge? What is preventing them from being truthful and open with all parties at all times?
Ultimately, regardless of whether someone dates exclusively or practices nonmonogamy, all relationships depend upon trust and communication. Without the qualities above, relationship longevity is virtually impossible.
Self-Awareness Is Paramount When Practicing Polyamory
When practicing polyamory, it is extremely critical for all folx involved to have high degrees of self-awareness. Before someone can enter a relationship with one partner, let alone multiple partners, they need to truly know who they are, what they want, and what their limits are. This is especially important when many different folx are involved, as they are within polyamory.
Self-awareness is linked to critical elements of self, such as personality, values, habits, needs, and emotions. It is virtually impossible for a person to succeed in any relationship, let alone a polyamorous one if they are unable to identify and understand those elements of self. When multiple parties are dating each other, multiple personalities, values, habits, needs, and emotions are coming into contact with one another. It is important to explore yourself, your relationships, and what you are all seeking from one another. For some, it may be simply sex, while for others there is much more to the relationships than just sex.
Some people explore ethical non monogamy relationships. The ethically non monogamous believe that the concept of monogamy is ethically wrong. Others may be exploring their gender identity through these polymerous relationships, and some people may just be seeking more friends with extra habits. The reasons for exploring polyamory are as complicated as any relationship. It is important to begin the process of exploring your truths when practicing polyamory.
What happens if one or more party has a personality type that clashes with others? What happens if values contrast with one another or vary in certain situations or under certain circumstances? How will all parties in the polyamorous relationship feel if the habits of one or more partner irk or fail to mesh with the habits of others? What happens if all needs are not being met in the relationship? How does each polyamorous person handle themselves emotionally under times of stress or duress?
Each of the preceding hypotheticals is very real and present themselves every day. For all parties to be able to answer the questions above honestly, they will first require self-awareness and an understanding of which personalities, values, habits, needs, and emotions are and are not compatible with their own. Many people in polyamorous relationships take time to sit down with all involved parties and have this very critical discussion.
There Are–Or Should Be – Dealbreakers In Polyamory
Many people view the polyamorous relationship as essential free-for-alls where involved parties simply do as they please with little care, thought, or regard. However, this is not –or should not be –the case in any relationship, polyamorous or not.
In any relationship, there should be dealbreakers. While dealbreakers are not inherently negative, they do set a precedent and allow each partner to know where the limits are and what will and will not be tolerated. Regardless of whether or not one chooses to engage in monogamous or polyamorous dating, each person should still have their limits and behaviors that they will not tolerate.
This goes without saying, but abuse or mistreatment of one, or multiple, involved parties is and should always be unacceptable. Abuse and mistreatment are signs of control or, in worst-case scenarios, narcissism, sociopathy, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy. Whether one or more party engages in physical, mental, emotional, or psychological abuse, it is never OK and should stand out as a huge red flag. Whether the abuse is directed toward one person or multiple persons is immaterial. Anyone involved with an abuser needs to cut the cord for the sake of themselves and others who may be in the relationship.
Next comes contempt. Interestingly enough, The Huffington Post cites contempt in relationships as a problem that "you just can't fix." Respect is a critical factor in any successful version of dating. Parties who harbor contempt for one or more persons in the relationship do not respect the subjects of their disdain. Contemptuous individuals, by definition, view the person or people at hand as beneath them. This does not contribute to the makings of a successful relationship, be it monogamous or polyamorous. Therefore, like abuse or mistreatment, contempt should swiftly fall into the dealbreaker category.
Polyamorous Dating Apps
Through the services that each site offers, it is simpler to reach out to other users, read other people’s posts, and meet people through these may websites. Each website offers a broad base of users, different links and often a sign to their preferences on each account. Plus, nearly ever website is free with a simple interface and often no paid commissions.
A good place to start is on the general dating websites of Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Their services allow you to match with as many people that you want on the website and look for a good sign. Each website, links within, and services, can offer a broad group of people to look through.
If you are looking for specific polyamorous dating apps or a polyamory dating site, those links are available to. Feeld and #Open are too of the most common polyamorous dating apps, and the links are attached above.
A Final Word
Life can be tough and complicated. Relationships can be especially tough and complicated, especially when multiple parties and factors are entered into the equation. This does not mean that polyamorous relationships are doomed to fail; however, as previously stated, respect, communication, and self-awareness are paramount. All involved partners should be happy, comfortable, communicative, and honest. If everyone is not on the same page, problems are virtually guaranteed.
Here at BetterHelp, we pride ourselves on providing the best quality of care, assistance, and guidance. We will always be here as an option, regardless of whether one is single or in a monogamous or polyamorous relationship. Contrary to somewhat popular belief, the ability to reach out to others and seek help is indicative of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.
You may be curious as to how online therapy works. Of course, therapy looks a little different depending on the issue that you’re working on, but, overall, online therapy is promising. Research has shown that online therapy is likely to be as effective as traditional in-person therapy when it comes to common types of talk therapy and issues that aren’t severe.
Online therapy has some great benefits as well. While traditional therapist offices might put you on a waitlist, BetterHelp matches most people to a counselor within 24 hours. Online therapy also tends to be more affordable than traditional therapy.
Here are some recent reviews by BetterHelp users about their counselors:
“I love my therapist. Best therapist I’ve had so far. She listens to my concerns and she’s incredibly LGBTQ+ and poly friendly. I feel comfortable talking to her about anything and she always offers multiple things to help and is very helpful.” Read more on Andrea Beaudoin.
“Natalie has been a pillar of support for me and has guided me through all of my mental and emotional ups and downs, as well as parenting and relationship issues. I am in a much better place, mentally, and am better equipped to tackle any or most of the obstacles that come my way. My husband always comments on how happy and at peace I seem after my sessions with Natalie. The sessions are candid and easy flowing. I always feel heard and understood. No judgments, no comparisons. Natalie is by far the best therapist I’ve had and who I will be turning to whenever I am in need of support, mentally or emotionally, or just need a friendly guide to show me a better way to achieve my goals.” Read more on Natalie Thwing.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but if you ever feel inclined to contact BetterHelp for any reason, you can do so by clicking here.