Polyamory
Polyamory is the practice of maintaining multiple loving, romantic relationships at once, with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
Polyamory is the practice of having more than one loving or romantic relationship at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. The emphasis on emotional connection and ongoing relationships distinguishes it from swinging's more recreational focus.
Polyamorous arrangements take many shapes — from a close-knit triad to wider networks of partners linked in different ways. What they share is a commitment to honesty, communication and consent rather than secrecy.
Within the broader libertine world, polyamory sits under the umbrella of ethical non-monogamy. Some people are both swingers and polyamorous; others identify strongly with one. Compersion, clear agreements and good time-management tend to be recurring themes.
Frequently asked
No. Polyamory centres on multiple loving relationships; swinging centres on recreational sexual experiences. Some people do both.
No — most polyamorous people rely on clear, negotiated agreements and a lot of communication.