What differentiates between polyamory and other kinds of nonmonogamy is that the assumption is that there will be multiple relationships that are both sexual and emotional. This means multiple significant relationships are simultaneously maintained. They usually contain characteristics of an important partner or lover—friendship, romance, emotional intimacy, spiritual connection, commitment, or love.

You might be interested in a different structure than monogamy:

• You want to have multiple relationships and develop relationships on your terms

• You have the desire and capacity to have emotional and sexual intimacy with, and perhaps commit to, more than one partner.

• You want “more than sex” from your additional relationship

• You would like to experience a different couple dynamic than monogamy

• You are interested in exploring your affinity for different genders or types of sex

• You believe another relationship might augment your existing couple life

What differentiates between polyamory and other kinds of nonmonogamy is that the assumption is that there will be multiple relationships that are both sexual and emotional. This means multiple significant relationships are simultaneously maintained. They usually contain characteristics of an important partner or lover—friendship, romance, emotional intimacy, spiritual connection, commitment, or love.