Solo Polyamory: A New Way of Loving
Polyamory, the practice of having multiple romantic partners with the knowledge and consent of all involved parties, has been gaining mainstream attention in recent years. However, there is a lesser-known form of polyamory called solo polyamory.
Solo polyamorous individuals prioritize their autonomy and independence above being part of a traditional couple or relationship structure. They may have multiple partners but do not necessarily cohabit with them or prioritize any one partner over another.
According to a survey conducted by Dr. Elisabeth Sheff, an expert on polyamorous relationships, about 10% of people who identified as polyamorous also identified as solo-poly.
One common misconception about solo polyamory is that it’s just dating around without commitment. In reality, many solo polys are committed to their partners but maintain their independence and prioritize personal growth over societal expectations for romantic relationships.
The benefits of solo polyamory are numerous. Solo polys can focus on building strong connections with each partner without feeling obligated to merge their lives together. This allows for greater flexibility in terms of career goals, travel plans, and personal interests.
Additionally, practicing solo poly can help individuals develop stronger communication skills since they must negotiate boundaries and expectations with each partner separately rather than relying on established norms within a dyadic relationship.
While there are many positives to being a solo-poly individual, there are still significant challenges that come along with it. One major challenge is navigating societal expectations around what “real” love should look like; often times people assume that if you don’t live together or aren’t married then your relationships aren’t serious or valid.
Another challenge is finding acceptance within the larger non-monogamous community where couple-centric thinking dominates the discourse around ethical non-monogamy.
Despite these challenges, more and more individuals are finding fulfillment through practicing solo-poly lifestyles. Social media platforms such as Reddit and Facebook have dedicated groups and pages for solo-poly individuals to connect with others and share resources.
For anyone considering solo polyamory, it’s important to be clear about what you want out of your relationships and communicate that with all partners involved. It’s also important to prioritize self-care since being a solo-poly individual can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness.
In conclusion, solo polyamory is a growing trend in the world of ethical non-monogamy. While it may not be for everyone, those who practice this lifestyle swear by its benefits. As society becomes more accepting of diverse relationship structures, we can expect to see more people choosing solo poly as their preferred way of loving.