Social polygamy

[K.C.]

So Patrice laid out how he'd love to have his girlfriend and her friend in a big triangle of love, claiming it's not just sexually based, but out of an actual desire to enhance that feeling of being together.

The problem is, can a relationship like this exist without ultimately spiraling into a web of jealousy?

Throw out the Mormon stuff...Patrice is right, that's religious based and the rationale for it is completely wrapped in the religious-aspect.

Can three people love each other equally, OR, can two women love the same man and share him at the same time (which, to do this, could really only happen in my mind if the two women loved each other enough to do that).

Furthermore, how many (if any) women would actually be capable of that?


It's easy to just say 'oh, it's about managing jealousy,' but what happens when one gets pregnant? What happens if one notices that the guy is banging the other chick more than her?

It's an interesting concept to bat around, and I think it's feasible over a period of a few years, but I have a little trouble buying that this is sustainable over a lifetime, or at least, a long period of time.

I think the key to it would be that either both girls would have to love the guy unconditionally, or each other as much as they love the guy.

And if the latter occurs, then, would the guy be able to handle, speaking on his ego, if the girls love each other as much as him? I could totally see the guy blowing up the entire spot because it's not all centered around him.

[sailor]

can't you replace three with two in your post and still have a valid question? for some it would work and some it would not. and the traditional two-person marriage is also based in religion, so why throw out the mormon experience?

[K.C.]

can't you replace three with two in your post and still have a valid question? for some it would work and some it would not. and the traditional two-person marriage is also based in religion, so why throw out the mormon experience?

Because mormon polygamists get married out of religious obligation, because polygamy is a god given right and duty of the faith (according to them).

Most two-person marriages in today's America aren't out of religious obligation.

And no, it's much different with three. It's one thing to say there are similarities in three person relationships versus two, but most of the jealousy issues that could go with a three person relationship would potentially confront you every second of your life, because you're literally living with the other person.

I do agree that it could work for some, and for others no, but I guess I'm trying to put my finger on what it would take of the people involved to make it work.

[KatPw]

I know a few people that are in polyamorous relationships. It's a lot of work, but they are all happy in their relationships. It's not for me, but I see nothing wrong with it.