Many people believe that every person should seek a single soulmate, apart from whom they should need no one else. Many others believe that each person should have only one romantic partner, at least at one time. But others don’t think that a single individual can fulfill all of their relationship needs, and therefore they prefer having many partners.
What Is Polyamory? (Plain Language Explanation)
Polyamory refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Polyamory
- Symptoms: The specific ways polyamory shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen polyamory
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When polyamory occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Polyamory
- Polyamory is far more common than most people realize
- Polyamory is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with polyamory see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about polyamory is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing polyamory, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.