The idea of remaining monogamous at a time when the divorce rate is at an all time high and many people are viewing marriage as an archaic institution is becoming less and less likely. Many millennials don’t believe in the restrictions of monogamy, saying the idea is outdated and doesn’t fit in the new cultural landscape. Polyamorous relationships could be a wave of the future.
Polyamory is defined as the practice of or desire for intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the knowledge of all partners. It has been described as “consensual, ethical, and responsible non-monogamy.”
“It’s difficult today to believe that you could have a really monogamous relationship. It just doesn’t happen. You know 9 times out of 10 a man or even woman is going to cheat at some time in the relationship,” says Cherish a twenty-five year old graduate student.
Antuan Reddish is a thirty nine year old Philadelphia transplant to Atlanta. Antuan lives in a home with his six girlfriends and their collective children. With seven working adults contributing to one household income, Antuan believes polyamorous relationships are a great option for establishing financial wealth. While he acknowledges the lifestyle isn’t for everyone and on occasion the women get jealous of each other, he believes the structure of polyamory allows him to do something he has never done before; be honest with a woman.
More and more couples are practicing polyamory, or what some refer to as man-sharing in larger cities across the country. Shea, 27 says that she decided she didn’t want to lose her boyfriend after she discovered he was involved in another relationship. Having the option to stay in the relationship and have an open and honest relationship with his “existing girlfriend” surprisingly was a better option to her than leaving the relationship.
“Every one of my girlfriends is crying over their guy cheating on them or afraid he will if he goes out at night with his friends. Most of them know that their dude is dealing with other females. Knowing about it and just turning a blind eye, I couldn’t keep living like that.”
Whether you see polyamory as an option to alleviate cheating or you are just curious about the lifestyle, it’s definitely a trend that is gaining momentum.
“There are more people living in polyamorous relationships than people think. They just may not be willing to talk about it because they are afraid of the backlash,” Antuan says.
Would you consider being a part of a polyamorous relationship? Why or Why not?