polyamorous

There is the buzz word – polyamorous. From the Greek word “poly”- meaning many or multiple, and Latin “amor” suggesting love. Many loves, many intimate relationships, at one time? What an adventurous love life, and perhaps, a roller-coaster ride if not complicated. What exactly does it imply?

Polyamorous is a nature of a relationship at a given time wherein a person has multiple romantic relationships with consent from all parties involved, describes Wikipedia. It is a type of relationship, a philosophy, a lifestyle revolving around the values of negotiation, openness, trust, honesty, dignity, and respect.

Here is the rub. Monogamy versus polyamory. Traditional versus liberalism. Religion versus relativism. Dr. Patrick Fagan notes these differences: In a monogamy culture that implies dating, marriage and “for better or worst” long-term relationship with just one partner, there is a sacred seal that binds the couple together. Sanctity of married life is recognized. In contrast, a polyamory culture hides religion or suppress it altogether, not to mention the worship of God.

Moreover, the culture of polyamory, he continues, acts only as a “safety net not only for the unlucky but the unrestrained, increasingly relies on social welfare programs to save its adherents from the effects of its form of sexuality. In political discourse, he notes, the culture of monogamy highlights men dedicated to their family, wife, and children, whereas the culture of polyamory promotes licentiousness – men and women incapable of sexual restraint. Relationships, in particular family life, is either scrupulously protected or instinctively exploited.

Then again, the beliefs from which the culture of polyamory exists negate these very differences. Freedom and sex may spell the difference; but the long-term consequences could make couples and lovers decide.