• Primary/Secondary: Picture it like a superhero and sidekick dynamic, where one partner is the caped crusader’s main focus (primary) while others are more like Robin or Batgirl (secondary), still important but not stealing the spotlight.
• Triad: It’s basically a three-way love fest! Three individuals who all have romantic connections with each other, forming a beautiful triangle of affection and possibly some wild geometry lessons along the way.
• Vee: Imagine being in two relationships at once, but instead of feeling constantly torn between them, you’re actually the glue that holds both together. Like being stuck in the middle of an incredibly delicious sandwich made up of romance and companionship!
• Quad: Move over triangles because we’ve got four sides to this polyamorous shape! Four people romantically connected in different combinations—just think about all those extra hands for cuddling sessions!
• Hierarchical Polyamory: If life were a video game, this would be leveling up your partners based on importance. One may hold the crown as your primary player while others take on supporting roles—it’s like having multiple save files for different relationship quests!
• Non-Hierarchical Polyamory: Forget about levels and rankings; everyone gets their own shiny star here! No one person takes precedence over another; it’s equality galore. Think of it as creating your very own utopian society within your heart.
• Solo Polyamory: Some people prefer flying solo even when they’re part of a team. They crave independence and autonomy without getting tangled up in traditional long-term partnerships—a bit like being James Bond minus all those pesky secret missions.
• Kitchen Table Polyamory: Who needs fancy restaurants when you can gather around your kitchen table? This type emphasizes open communication among all partners involved—sharing meals, laughter, and maybe even some recipe secrets!
• Parallel Polyamory: Remember how parallel lines never meet? Well, in this poly style, partners maintain separate lives and relationships without much interaction. It’s like having your own personal orbit while still existing within the same universe.
• Monogamish: Picture a couple who mostly stick to monogamy but occasionally dip their toes into non-monogamous waters—a bit like ordering fries with your burger even though you’re committed to that juicy patty!
• Polyfidelity: This is like forming an exclusive club where everyone agrees not to let any outsiders crash the party. A closed group of individuals committed exclusively to each other—think of it as a VIP section for lovebirds.
• Relationship Anarchy: Throw away those relationship rulebooks because these rebels are all about creating connections based on mutual agreements rather than predefined structures—it’s like being part of a romantic revolution!
• Polycule: Imagine drawing lines connecting people in various shapes and sizes; that tangled web is what we call a polycule! It’s like playing connect-the-dots with hearts instead of numbers—love knows no boundaries or straight lines!
• Metamour: Your partner’s partner(s)—the person(s) who share your loved one but may not be directly involved with you romantically. They might just become your new BFFs or perhaps form an alliance against surprise birthday parties for shared anniversaries!
• Solo-Poly Hierarchical: Combining the best of both worlds! You get the freedom and independence from solo polyamory while acknowledging varying levels of commitment among partners—it’s like juggling multiple balls without dropping any (hopefully).
• Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT): Remember that time when mom told us not to peek at our Christmas presents before Santa came? Well, DADT operates on similar principles. Partners agree not to disclose details about outside relationships—an agreement built on trust and maybe some sneaky surprises!