Polyamory is the definition of a type of simultaneous relationship between three or more people at the same time and with everyone's knowledge.
Polyamory is based on the principle of polygamy (or not monogamy), when there is the possibility of establishing several sexual and romantic relationships at the same time, with the agreement of all involved.
The concept of polyamory is not widely accepted by most Western societies, based on the traditional idea of monogamy – an exclusive relationship between two people, where involvement with other sexual or emotional partners outside the relationship is condemned.
Learn more about the meaning of Polygamy and of the Monogamy.
Polyamory forms
For polyamory practitioners, there are different ways to put this type of relationship into practice, according to the rules previously defined between everyone involved.
- Polygamy: when one person creates marital bonds with several others at the same time, with the knowledge of all involved.
- Polyfidelity: it involves a variety of romantic and sexual relationships, but only between individuals who belong to this group.
- Group relationships: all involved consider themselves part of the same “family”.
- Mono-Poly Relationship: it is characterized when one of the partners is monogamous, but accepts that his partner maintains external relationships (polygamous).
Polyamory and Pansexuality
Many people confuse these two concepts, but they are totally different.
Polyamory is defined by the constitution of more than a loving and sexual relationship and is not directly related to sexual orientation.
Pansexuality is a type of sexual orientation, where the individual is sexually and/or emotionally attracted to people of any gender or gender identity.
For example, the pansexual individual may be attracted to the same sex, the opposite sex, transgender, cisgender, and so on.
Learn more about the meaning of pansexual.