Polyamory is the practice of having multiple romantic or intimate relationships at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. It is a relationship structure rather than a kink, and it can take many forms depending on what the people involved agree to.
People come to polyamory for different reasons: some feel that exclusivity does not fit how they love, some value the freedom to explore different kinds of connection, and others simply prefer the honesty and communication that open relationships require. It shows up in practice through negotiated agreements about time, intimacy, and transparency, and those agreements vary widely from one relationship to the next.
Worth knowing: Polyamory depends on clear, ongoing communication about boundaries, safer sex practices, emotional needs, and what each person is and is not comfortable with, along with regular check-ins as relationships evolve.
Also called: ethical non-monogamy, consensual non-monogamy, open relationship, polycule, solo poly, hierarchical polyamory, kitchen table polyamory, relationship anarchy
