What is Polyamory? Polyamory is a form of consensual non-monogamy that emphasizes emotional and sexual intimacy with multiple partners simultaneously. It emphasizes consciously choosing how many partners one wishes to be involved with rather than accepting social norms which dictate loving only one person at a time. An open relationship is a relationship where the parties are free to take new partners. The terms both fall under the heading of “ethical non-monogamy,” but they are not synonymous.

1. Polyamory
Demystified

2. What Is Polyamory?
Polyamory is a form of consensual non-monogamy that
emphasizes emotional and sexual intimacy with multiple
partners simultaneously. It emphasizes consciously
choosing how many partners one wishes to be involved
with rather than accepting social norms which dictate
loving only one person at a time.
An open relationship is a relationship where the
parties are free to take new partners. The terms both
fall under the heading of “ethical non-monogamy,”
but they are not synonymous.

3. 4 Common Polyamory Structures:
Polyfidelity. This is where the partners in a group agree
not to have sexual or romantic relationships with people
who are not in the group.
1.
Triad. This involves three people who are all dating one
another, also called a throuple.
2.
Quad. Similar to a triad, a quad is a relationship involving
four people who are all dating one another.
3.
Vee (or “V”). This is where one person
4.
is dating two different people,
but those two people are not dating
one another.

4. 4 Tips Avoiding Relationship Issues
The need for clear communication and boundaries
among all concerned is a key feature of the
polyamorous philosophy:
Establish Rules and Boundaries
1.
Support One Another
2.
Avoid Comparisons
3.
Express Your Feelings and Needs
4.

5. 3 Common Myths About Polyamory
Myth 1 :
Non-monogamous couples have normalized cheating.
Fact:
Like in monogamous relationships, the act of being unfaithful is
about dishonesty and betrayal, which can occur no matter the
relationship’s agreements, terms or structure. In polyamory, folks
can still be dishonest or feel the need to hide their behaviour for the
same reasons as in monogamous relationships. Unfortunately, it
can be just as harmful of a stereotype to assume those in
polyamorous relationships escape these hardships. This often
shows up as blaming the fact that a relationship is open for the
difficulties being worked through.

6. 3 Common Myths About Polyamory
Myth 2:
Intimacy isn’t the same or doesn’t exist in a non-monogamous
relationship.
Fact:
Intimacy is often an integral part of any relationship — and it
can be just as meaningful and complex in polyamorous
relationships.Non-monogamy asks partners to place their
understanding of each other’s needs above their own comfort
levels and fears at times, and coming through the other side of
these experiences with a stronger bond can absolutely
increase intimacy.

7. 3 Common Myths About Polyamory
Myth 3:
Polyamorous relationships lack connection.
Fact:
Polyamorous relationships generally share some or all of
these needs and desires among more than one
relationship or person.
Connection depends on the people involved, not the
specific type of relationship.

8. People in polyamorous relationships might need a poly-
knowledgeable professional for a variety of reasons,
including a specific need for expertise or to support their
community.
https://tinyurl.com/eroscoaching
Resources available:
https://tinyurl.com/erosopenrelationship
https://tinyurl.com/erosjealousy

9. References:
Andrews, S. (2022, January 22). Debunked: 10 Common Myths About Polyamory. Slice. Retrieved September
11, 2022, from https://www.slice.ca/debunked-common-myths-about-polyamory/
1.
Ferguson, S. (2021, November 23). Throuple, Quad, and Vee: All About Polyamorous Relationships. Psych
Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/polyamorous-relationship#infidelity
2.
Peter, M. (2021, December 7). The Difference Between Open Relationships, Polyamory and Swinging
Relationships.Medium. Retrieved October 16, 2022, from https://medium.com/@bluehills1965/the-
difference-between-open-relationships-polyamory-and-swinging-relationships-a4fdc833b007
3.
What You Can Learn from Polyamory. (2022). Greater Good.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_you_can_learn_from_polyamory
4.
What Is Polyamory? (2022, June 23). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-does-
polyamorous-mean-21882
5.
What is Polyamory? (2020, December 7). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-polyamory
6.

10. Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Relationship Counselor & Clinical Sexologist
Doctorate in Human Sexuality
Masters in Counselling
Masters in Public Policy and Management
Bachelor of Arts (Comm)
Cert in Sex Therapy
Cert in Practical Counselling
Cert in Life Coaching
Certified AASECT Sexuality educator and AASECT
Sexuality Educator Supervisor
In practice since 2009.