polyamory

a term which's definition is constantly confused with "Open-relationships" - a state where a couple extend the boundaries of their relationship beyond what is usually socially acceptable by allowing one or more members to explore intimacy outside of the relationship. Polyamory differs from this in the way that outside-intimacy is invited into the relationship, and is shared mutually between all members. Polyamorous couples typically have three members and all are as equally involved in each other's lives & as committed to each other as monogamous couples are. WARNING: abusers often use polyamory as an excuse to cheat on their mono partner (usually a woman) by convincing them that this is the only way that they'll be able to stay together, and that sexual freedom is what they need in order to be happy because it's natural for them etc. The abuser tells their partner that feelings of jealousy, resentment, abandonment, inferiority, or insecurity in a poly relationship is "normal" and that they shouldn't think too much about it. The victim's personality tends to become withdrawn and depressed due to the treatment from their abuser, but they'll still don the polyamorous label and pay the abuse forward by comforting / reassuring other poly-victims that their negative feelings are also completely normal and healthy for their relationship and shouldn't be thought too much about. this is why defining labels correctly is so important.