Polyamory

Polyamory is the practice or desire for multiple consensual romantic or sexual relationships, with the informed consent of all involved. It is an umbrella term for various forms of ethical non-monogamy, including open relationships, polyfidelity, and relationship networks. Polyamory is not about the absence of jealousy, but about developing tools to manage it—such as open communication, boundary-setting, and compersion (the joy in a partner’s joy).

Key Concepts

Jealousy: Jealousy is normal in polyamorous relationships, but is addressed openly. See jealousy.md for in-depth discussion and writing tips.
Compersion: The opposite of jealousy; feeling happiness for a partner’s other connections. See compersion.md.
Boundaries: Clear, negotiated boundaries are essential for trust and emotional safety. See boundaries.md.
Communication: Ongoing, honest dialogue is the foundation of healthy polyamory.

Writing Tips

Show the diversity of relationship structures (triads, vees, polycules, solo polyamory, etc.).
Depict negotiation of boundaries and agreements.
Address jealousy and compersion as dynamic, learnable experiences.
Use dialogue and internal monologue to model communication and emotional processing.
Highlight the importance of consent and self-awareness.

Example

Example "She smiled as her girlfriend texted another lover, grateful for the trust and compersion that let them love freely." Why it works: Highlights trust, emotional nuance, and the presence of compersion.

Common Pitfalls

Stereotyping or sensationalising polyamory.
Ignoring the need for consent, communication, and boundaries.
Portraying polyamory as a solution to relationship problems, rather than a relationship style with its own challenges.

Polyamory

Key Concepts

Writing Tips

Example

Common Pitfalls

Related Topics