Polyamory is often seen as an almost dirty word in the dating world. To relationship traditionalists, polyamory is synonymous with cheating and lying. This is not the case when it comes to the idea of non-monogamy, as long as it is being practiced with the knowing consent of those involved.

Polyamory is the act of being romantically involved with more than one partner in an open relationship. This does not mean cheating but instead that you may have multiple partners but it is trusting and honest and therefore does not prey upon that trust that is crucial for any relationship. Polyamorous relationships can occur in a number of different combinations of partners as well as any amount of partners involved. One of the most infamous polyamorous relationships is known as the "throuple". This is when Person A is dating Person B and C but Person B and Person C are dating each other as well and is seen in almost all representation of polyamorous relationships. However, there can be even less complicated examples where the relationships can be platonic instead of romantic or sexual. For example, Person A could be dating Person B but Person B and Person C are not romantically involved and are only partners to Person A.

A lot of people are uncomfortable with the concept of polyamory for a multitude of reasons. One of these reasons is that it is a taboo idea and also seen as something that only people under 30 do and is just a phase. This is truly insulting as it forces people to believe that if they are romantically and sexually attracted to more than one person at a time, then they are just unfaithful and should be ashamed of their sexuality. This is a byproduct of a society that forces monogamy and heterosexuality on all of its citizens. It also promotes the idea that only those who are "sex-crazed" are into the idea and practice of polyamory.

Another major issue that people have with polyamory is that the very notion of it completely dismantles the widely accepted definition and perceived rules that surround modern relationships. If polyamory is widespread then it negates the idea of marriage as that is seen as something for strictly monogamous relationships and therefore would force the federal government to allow multi-person relationships to receive the benefits that long-term relationships should be able to have. It also normalizes sex and attraction as being something that is not stagnant but moving and occurring on a scale. Polyamory also often normalizes queer relationships as this is a factor in a fairly large portion of these open relationships and would, therefore, be a perceived threat to heterosexuality.

Polyamory is not something that is exclusive to your weird hippie neighbors. It is a growing phenomenon and not just a phase. Polyamorous relationships are valid and just another option for consenting adults that feel too constricted in traditionally monogamous relationships.