You might ask, “am I polyamorous?” – polyamory, therefore, is when people have multiple love relationships at the same time, but with the full knowledge of all concerned. One of its main distinctions from traditional monogamous relationships is that it allows emotional, sometimes physical, relationships with several others. This is a concept often misunderstood or mixed with other non-monogamous relationships, and therefore one needs to be clarified on what it is before getting deeper.
Fundamentally, a person can have deep, soulful, loving connections with more than one other person. Basically, it presupposes that exclusivity in romantic relationships is not the only way to achieve that. Those involved in a polyamorous relationship know that the said relationship is non-exclusive and have given consent. For them to work in complete and utter trust and harmony, all relationships must be transparent and mutually consensual—in a nutshell.
Why Consider Polyamory?
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People may consider polyamory for any number of reasons. At a most basic level, it would seem to be in harmony with the person’s basic philosophy of life or with the fact of wanting relational contact and closeness with more than one person. Others may feel it meets certain needs that cannot be met by a single partner. Importantly, polyamory is not necessarily more partners—it is more possible forms of good, satisfying, and fulfilling relationships around that person.
Is Polyamory Right for You?
Deciding if polyamory is right for you will take a little thought about your values, needs, and desires in regard to relationships. It’s thinking about how you deal with emotional complexity and communication—and maybe getting jealous. If you are intrigued as to whether this might be something that would fit you, it might be helpful to take some time for a little personal evaluation.
The “Am I Polyamorous?” Quiz
Engaging in a self-reflective process before deciding to become part of the polyamory community, or even before changing the status on your dating profile, can be helpful. Our quiz is made to measure your instincts on polyamory and feelings towards the same. It could help you measure your present desires against the tenets of polyamory.
The benefit of such a quiz is that it can throw some light on concerns about your relationship preferences and emotional needs. This can help you determine whether it is polyamory that somehow resonates with you and whether you are open or excited about the idea of multiple, simultaneous, consensual romantic relationships. Consider, however, these results as a starting point, not your definitive answer. The results may prove useful but should be considered together with other factors such as personal experience, consultation of the prospective partner, and counseling by professionals.
Being able to understand polyamory means one has to invigilate their beliefs and values towards the relationship. You might take the “Am I Polyamorous?” quiz as a useful jumping-off point. Your answers alone or discussed with trusted people will give you a clearer picture of whether polyamory aligns with your personal goals regarding relationships.
Be it that you set your goals on pursuing a polyamorous lifestyle or not, the principle is to approach relationships with openness, honesty, and respect for all the parties concerned. Actually, any relationship design is not complete without the basic ingredients of clear communication and mutual consent. Understanding oneself is very fundamental to making fulfilling and healthy connections.
If you feel that polyamory is something you want to explore further, then do so by reaching out for resources and communities that can offer support and guidance. Learning from others means getting firsthand perspectives from people in openly polyamorous relationships, and gaining more than a few useful insights to enable you to navigate this path much more effectively.
Conclusion
It gives another flavor to relationships, a flavor that will replace traditional concepts of exclusivity and romantic dedication. With tools like the “Am I Polyamorous?” quiz, you can begin to see if this approach to relationships aligns with your personal desires and values. Remember, it is a very personal journey of finding out about yourself and your relationship needs, and there are so many ways to go around finding what works for you.
