Polyamory — a form of relationship in which a person maintains several romantic connections at once, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
What it means
Polyamory emphasizes emotional intimacy and love, not just the physical side. Its key principles are honesty, open communication and the voluntary consent of each person. Unlike cheating, in polyamory no one hides anything: all partners know about each other and together agree on rules, boundaries and expectations. The word is formed from the Greek “poly” (many) and the Latin “amor” (love). Polyamory is not about “loving less” but about the idea that feelings for one person do not cancel out feelings for another. For many people it is a conscious, long-term choice that requires maturity and the ability to talk about one’s needs.
Example
Anna is dating two people. Both know about each other’s existence, and all three occasionally discuss how they feel, personal boundaries and their shared schedule. Such honest dialogue helps each of them feel heard and at ease.
Related terms
Ethical non-monogamy, Metamour, Hierarchical polyamory
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