User:Polyxade/PolyDefn

My personal working definition of polyamory is based on many of the definitions in Definition, and I am definitely in the "polyamory isn't polyamory unless ethics are involved" camp.

Polyamory: The non-possessive, honest, responsible, ethical philosophy and practice of developing emotional and/or physical connections with multiple people simultaneously. Based on the conscious choice of how many partners one wishes to be involved with, rather than accepting social norms that dictate monogamy as the only acceptable form of love.

Polyamory is *not* about cheating, lying, unfaithfulness, or infidelity. It *is* about love, friendships, real connections, tolerance of alternative gender/sexual orientations, and self-exploration of ones views on interpersonal interaction. Jealousy and time-management are the two most important stumbling blocks, hence the absolute need for honest, introspective communication between all individuals involved. Polyamory is not right for everyone (in fact, it isn't right for most). On the other hand, the concept resonates very deeply for some.

Polyamory is also *not* about swinging, although there is some overlap between the two communities. Polyamory is about a desire to interact multi-dimensionally in the lives of others, whereas swinging (in my personal working definition) is purely sexual in nature. However, a person can have a polyamorous relationship with some people, and a swinging relationship with others (and can thus be both polyamorous and a swinger at the same time).