Polyromantic Relationships A Guide to Simplify a Confusing Label

Polyromantic is a new term popping up in mainstream dating. Maybe you're curious about what it is or ready to try something new.

The term polyromantic has gained popularity in recent months. Without knowing what it means, you may be thinking it has something to do with polyamory relationships. However, it's not the case.

I know, all these 'poly' words start to look the same after a while, but, they have completely different meanings. So, pay attention! What's great about the development of sexuality, is that we start to realize that not everything is so black and white.

11 things you need to know about polyromantic relationships

Of course, you have homosexual and heterosexual people, but is that it? We're only given two options? Obviously, it's much more complex than that. Human sexuality isn't some coin you flip and whatever side it lands on, that's it. Rather, sexuality is a spectrum.

You have people who consider themselves heterosexual or homosexual, but you also have people more fluid in between the spectrum. It's time to familiarize yourself with what's in between. It ain't only black and white, baby.

#1 Wait, wait. What is polyromantic? We have to nail the definition down before we can even go into the details of what a polyromantic is. Basically, polyromantic individuals are people attracted to different sexes. However, they do not believe there are only two sexes and/or genders.

Some people do not identify as either male or female, though, polyromantic people can be attracted to those that do not consider themselves male or female.

#2 So, aren't they just bisexual then? I get why you assume this. When I first learned about polyromantics, I thought the same. I thought, but they like both sexes, so they're just bisexuals. But they're not.

What makes them different from bisexuals are that bisexuals are attracted to men and women, while polyromantics are attracted to those who do not conform to either gender and/or sex.

#3 It doesn't have to be sexual. Like with anything, you don't need to be sexually attracted to everyone. I know, this may come as a shock. As a polyromantic, you can be attracted to many people. It doesn't necessarily mean it's in a sexual way. You can be romantic without engaging in sexual activity.

#4 Don't get it mixed up with pansexuals. This happens a lot. But, pansexuals and polyromantics are different. Pansexuals are individuals attracted to people regardless of their gender or gender identity. Essentially, they're attracted to everyone, as 'pan' means all.

The best way to describe pansexuality is that they fall in love with the person, not the gender. Polyromantics are attracted to many sexualities, as 'poly' means many.

#5 These sexuality terms all have the same foundation. You may be slightly confused with all these terms: bisexuality, pansexuality, polyromantic. I get it, if you're just starting to learn what this means, it can be overwhelming.

However, you should know that pansexuality and bisexuality are both forms of polysexuality *polyromantic*. All three terms, though slightly different, in the end, are all attracted to more than one gender and/or sex.

#6 Know your prefixes. If still confused with all these different words, maybe by understanding the prefixes, you'll grasp these concepts better. The only real difference between these words are the prefixes-these are what completely change the meaning of each one. So, know your prefixes. Bi *two or both*, pan *all*, poly *many*, omni *all*, ambi *both, can imply ambiguity as well*.

#7 Don't know where you fit in? Humans love to label things. This is because we're given so much information on a daily basis, we need to label and put them in categories for better comprehension. If you're not sure where you fit, or you think you're a polyromantic but you may feel you're actually a pansexual. Listen, don't pressure yourself.

#8 Does this tie into polyamory. Some people think pansexuality and polysexuality are connected to polyamorous relationships. Polyamory is when you engage in multiple intimate relationships. In other words, you date multiple people.

Of course, they all know and agree to your polyamorous lifestyle, so it's not cheating. But polyamory is simply a form of relationship. Just because you're a polyromantic, doesn't mean you have to be with multiple people. Your sexuality and the type of relationship you want to have are two different things.

#9 Don't sacrifice your happiness for your partner's. If you're doing this to make your partner happy, don't do it. Put yourself first when it comes to open relationships.

If you're not into the idea and if it doesn't make you feel good, then don't do it. Tell your partner how you feel and see where to take it from there. Because doing this to make someone else happy only causes more pain for you.

#10 Talk to someone who is polyromantic. If you're curious about polysexuality or you think you may be a polyromantic, the best way to know is to speak to someone who is polyromantic. They, of course, have firsthand experience with diving into their sexuality. They'll help you better understand your feelings and where you think you fit in on the spectrum of sexuality.

#11 No, you're not weird. As you read this, you may be thinking, there's probably something wrong with me, why can't I just be straight or gay? Listen, sexuality isn't an easy subject. Honestly, we really don't know that much about sexuality.

We're used to homosexuality and heterosexuality and even with these two definitions, people have problems understanding. So, no, you're not weird. There's an endless list of sexualities that's getting longer and longer by the day. You're not the only one who feels that maybe heterosexuality isn't the only thing out there.

Now that you're all up-to-date and understand what a polyromantic is, introduce yourself to the polyromantic community in your city and go from there. If you feel you may be polysexual, it's great. You've discovered one more thing about yourself.