Polyamorous

A look at how people are giving themselves a choice to love another way.

“The heart is not like a box that gets filled up, but expands in size the more you love.”

Enlightened words you wouldn’t expect to hear from the computer in the movie Her, but it also rings true for humans. More people than ever are exploring the possibility of opening up their relationships — and not only that, they are fighting for their legal rights to love however and whomever they choose.

In Polyamorous, reporter Jenny Yuen digs into why open relationships are such a hot topic, why they’re becoming more normalized, and how relationships with multiple partners can be a practical alternative to monogamy and an intriguing expedition through uncharted emotional territory. Couples are clearing a path for “throuples,” “quads,” and “relationship anarchists” who navigate through jealousy and reach a place of “compersion” — feeling joy because your partner feels joy with another — as pairing off is no longer the default option for many. For some, polyamory is just a part of who they are.

Poly is love. Infinite.

- Dispels myths about what open relationships are (i.e. they aren’t about excuses to cheat) and removes the structure of religion and society demands of hundreds of years
- Argues that polyamory can be a practical solution to many relationship problems: for example, of each person feeling the weight of being “everything” to their partner in a monogamous relationship vs. responsibilities and pressures being shared in a poly one
- Polyamory and open relationships are becoming more visible and accepted — and certainly more discussed and debated
- More people than ever are discreetly exploring polyamory, many of them looking for advice, relatable stories, and trusted resources
- Author is currently in a polyamorous relationship