Synonyms
Non-Monogamy, Consensual Non-Monogamy, Open Relationships
Introduction
The term polyamory means “many loves.” It is a relationship style in which partners offer one another the freedom to pursue multiple romantic connections, in addition to their own (Weitzman 2006). This differs from monogamy, in which partners practice romantic exclusivity. This also differs from infidelity, in which additional romantic connections are secretly pursued.
Description
Polyamory can be practiced in numerous ways. It often begins with a couple who opens up their relationship to take other lovers, who in turn often have existing relationships of their own. The original couples often share typical relationship trappings such as cohabitation, common property, and child raising, whereas the dates with lovers are often more occasional and less centered around home and family. As time passes, these distinctions can blur. Dating partners often become more involved in one another’s lives (Veaux and...
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Weitzman, G.D. (2019). Polyamory. In: Lebow, J.L., Chambers, A.L., Breunlin, D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_495
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_495
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