Differences between an open relationship and polyamor

Non -monogamic relationships can be classified into a wide variety of terms that include characteristics in this type of human interrelationships. Within those terms, we find polyamor and open relationships, two ways of relating and establishing relationships that, although they are usually confused, are very different. Therefore, it is important to identify the differences between each of them to clearly understand what these concepts consist of. In this way, you can know its limits and conditions from the beginning.

In the following psychology-online article we will explain The differences between an open relationship and the polyamor.

1. What is an open relationship
2. What is polyamor
3. The presence of love
4. The hierarchies
5. Its duration
6. Couple obligations
7. The agreements and pacts

What is an open relationship

An open relationship is a non -monogamous relationship, in which its members make the decision to experience sexual or affective relations with other people, but without losing the initial relationship. That is, it is a kind of society that is established between a couple, in which it is allowed to have sexual encounters or openly see other people, without feeling concern or remorse for it.

The relationships established outside the initial relationship may or may not be stable and, usually, are only sexual relationships. In any case, the members know very well what happens, since Previous agreements are established that can vary over time or according to each particular couple.

In open relationships, people look for experience new sensations or satisfy the needs not covered in their stable relationships. They almost always try not to involve feelings, although this is very variable, since sometimes there is not so much emotional control. If you want to know more about it, you can read the article we explain ¿Open relationships work?

What is polyamor

Polyamor is a practice in which you want more than one couple equally. In this type of relationship, the members of the couple profess affection and different ways of love, so that emotions and feelings are deeply involved in this type of relationship.

In fact, polyamorous people are capable of falling in love and loving several people without the need to establish a hierarchy, since they distribute their love equally. These types of relationships can be classified as open polyamorous, which are those in which more members or closed polyamors can be added if they do not admit more members of those who already exist.

Also, one of the similarities between an open relationship and polyamor is open communication. In fact, those who participate in any of these dynamics are usually clear about the panorama of what happens in their love and sexual life. The ideal is to leave the conditions established since the beginning of this type of relationship.

So ¿How can we distinguish between polyamor and an open relationship? Then, we explain the main differences between these terms.

The presence of love

Polyamor has a romantic bond in which love and feelings are involved directly. That is, it focuses on establishing emotionally committed relationships with several people who support each other.

On the contrary, in open relationships The need for sexual satisfaction predominates and to experience new physical sensations.

The hierarchies

Another difference between polymorn and open relationships is that in polymorn There are no hierarchies or preferences Among the members of the relationship, since all are considered equally loved.

For its part, in open relationships, There is always some of its members that feel preference for another, since it makes you experience new sensations.

Its duration

Among the main differences between polyamor and relationships is also that the latter tend to be less durable, since No lasting affective ties are created.

On the other hand, in polyamor relationships are almost always in the long term, since a Loving and persistent support bond.

Couple obligations

In open relationships There is not always obligation to comply with the protocol typical of a couple, such as appointments, details, gifts, celebrations, since in many cases they are agreed meetings to satisfy desires and fantasies.

On the contrary, people in polyamorous relationships They profess affection and are attentive to details, as, according to social norms, monogamic couples do.

The agreements and pacts

In the polyamor There are clear agreements from the beginning. In these agreements, in general, each member of the relationship can ask for explanations or opinions regarding third parties involved. In open relationships, on the contrary, there are many times the agreement "do not ask, do not questions".

In short, each type of relationship has its own characteristics and both in polyamor and in open relationships, the important thing is that each person is honest with what they want and with their limits to avoid sufferings or anxieties. On the other hand, if your partner has asked you to open the relationship and you have doubts, here you will find what to do when your partner asks for an open relationship.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Differences between an open relationship and polyamor, We recommend that you enter our category of feelings.