Ronald A. King's definitions

True Poly

A phrase used by some people when your Poly relationship doesn't fit their idea of what PolyAmory is. Usually associated with those that believe Poly means "open," as in "always available for new sexual relationships."

Sarah is in a "closed" Poly relationship. Bill is interested in Sarah, but because she is in a "closed Poly relationship, Bill states that Sarah's relationship isn't "True Poly."

by Ronald A. King June 13, 2005

PolyFidelity

A relationship structure of 3 or more individuals who have no sexual or loving connections outside the group. This group may be open or closed to new additions, but there is no sexual or loving connections with the new addition until added.

PolyFidelity is a subset of PolyAmory. The Kerista commune of San Francisco used the term extensively in the early 1980's and may have used it from their inception.

by Ronald A. King March 28, 2005

PolyAmorists

Those who participate in or identify with the concept of PolyAmory.

PolyAmorists tend to focus more on the interpersonal and romantic connections with their partners, thus differentiating their practice from Swingers. Sexual activity does occur, just as it does in monogamous marriages.

by Ronald A. King March 28, 2005

Delta Triad

A form of PolyAmory where three people are intimately involved, each one with both of the others. This grouping can have other PolyAmory facets as well. EG: PolyFidelity, PolyDating, etc.

Jan and Dave and Susan are in a Poly relationship. Jan and Dave are intimate, Jan and Susan are intimate, and Dave is intimate with Susan as well as Jan.

by Ronald A. King June 13, 2005

Swinging

A lifestyle of non-monogany where sexual relations occur outside the established couple. Swingers tend to refrain from romantic attachments with their outside partners, thus differentiating themselves from PolyAmorists. There is some overlap between the two communities, though the closeness of the comparisons are generally not acknowledged.

Swingers often engage in the activity as a couple. "Swing Parties" are venues where the activity may occur.

by Ronald A. King March 28, 2005

PolyAmory

In its most basic form, it is defined as honest consensual non-monogamy. While some decline to allow that Swinging is part of PolyAmory, the basic definition still applies. You will find, though, that there are as many definitions of PolyAmory as there are people practicing it. PolyAmory must have as a basic more than 2 people in the relationship. Not all participants need be involved with every other participant, nor is co-housing a requirement.

PolyAmory incorporates PolyAndry (many husbands), PolyGyny (many wives), PolyFidelity (no outside relationships), "open" or "closed" to new partners, fidelitous or not, and many variations of the above.

by Ronald A. King March 28, 2005

Swingers

Those who participate in Swinging.

The persons who enjoy sexual relations outside their otherwise fidelitous relationship, often as an organized activity such as a Swing Party.

by Ronald A. King March 28, 2005