Be open to new experiences

Being in college and growing in this rapidly expanding hub of cultures has exposed me to numerous ways of thinking and ways of living. I grew up with a set of values that mandated once in a relationship you’re committed to that person and must not look at any adult materials (porn) or other people, as such behavior would be unfaithful and infidelic.

I practiced such relationships while in high school, always waiting for a relationship with a partner to end completely before entering another one, not even speaking to members of the opposite sex lest I encourage temptation. This perspective changed once I reached college.

When I entered college, I found myself introduced to a wide array of people who were both amazing and inspiring. It was at this time that I was exposed to the practice of polygamy/polyamorous relationships; specifically, I found myself in a relationship with a person who practiced such a lifestyle; not wanting to limit myself, I wanted to experience this new way of life that was different than mine.

I want to define what these terms mean; polyamorous is to engage in sexual or emotionally intimate relationships with more than one person, and the boundaries are really to be determined by the people involved. Some people have relationships that are emotionally intimate with one partner but sexually free with more than one; while others are less strict and allow for numerous partnerships.

While I’ll keep the details of my own experience to myself, engaging in such a relationship really gave me a new perspective on what it was to be with someone and to love them. When you’re in a polygamous relationship you’re forced to reevaluate the social constructs of a typical relationship. These constructs being that “ownership” of the other person, or the belief that because you’re strictly intimate with that person your bond is more significant.

Monogamy mandates this pressure on both partners to never be attracted to, or desire other people; both of which are natural instincts.