Poly Relationships

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

I read the four threads in this area and I couldn't decided which one to put this is but in the long run decided to put it here. It is one of those thinking out loud posts so it is a little long...

I have been doing a lot of honest self-reflection about My life. Trying to examine all of it honestly and that includes My experience as a poly individual and the more recent attempts to be monogamous. I have been in poly relationships since the age of 18. My poly relationships have been along the lines of Dee's experience where W/we all lived under the same roof. Now mind you not all of them worked or was perfect but I did learn with each new experience what type of poly relationships I could and could not be in. I will also be honest that My longest relationship was a poly one, 18 years. Where there were time periods of being lucky enough to have another woman involved and periods of monogamy only because I had not brought someone into the relationship. My first two experiences with being poly involved bio-men but they never touched Me.
The first one was a nightmare beyond belief. However I think there was a few things playing into that for Me, one of which was that a biologically male was involved and the woman I was with did not know the meaning of honesty. I was also very very young 18 to be honest and the poly relationship was not entered into in a proper way, I know that now. It only lasted a year and then only because he was in the Navy and not home for 6 of those months. Keep in mind I was with this woman for about a year before I found out she was actually married to her husband…I told you she truly did not know the meaning of honesty. The second relationship also involved a married couple, male and female, that I lived with. I ended this one because the woman approached Me and said she wanted to leave her husband and was in love with Me. While I was flattered I was not about to be the reason their marriage ended and it was not what the three of us had agreed to at the start. During this time I was defiantly a Top, like being poly it was just in My blood, however I had not officially entered the life style and was not yet a Dom or a Daddy.
Now on the other hand My longest relationship did see the development of Me as Dom and O/our poly experiences only included femmes. L (My ex) was a boi and the only one I have been with so all the other women I brought into the relationship had their own place in the house and with the communication and following of rules and procedures that were put into place at the start of each one It was a very pleasurable experience and I am not referring to just the sex. If it was just about that I sure would not have taken the responsibility of having more than one in My house. I am of the belief not to have more people in My circle then I can at least take care of emotionally, preferably financially and spiritually as well. At the end of O/our relationship the closest I am came to poly was playing with her with the knowledge of anyone I was in the relationship with.
I have tried since then to be monogamous and while I was successful meaning I never cheated on them or left them for someone else I was never really satisfied or happy. Yet I kept trying because so many people told Me being poly was wrong on top of being a Dom was wrong and TG wrong. I really need to move out of the mid-west *laugh*. Then after L ended O/our 23 year friendship in July of this year My whole life changed in a way. Actually in a positive way making Me examine what has happened since 2004 and especially this year allowing Me to also reexamine the poly versus monogamous relationships. I think I could be happy in a mono relationship with the right woman but I feel a part of Me is missing that I am not being true to Myself about.

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by AlixKnight4All

I read the four threads in this area and I couldn't decided which one to put this is but in the long run decided to put it here. It is one of those thinking out loud posts so it is a little long...

I have been doing a lot of honest self-reflection about My life. Trying to examine all of it honestly and that includes My experience as a poly individual and the more recent attempts to be monogamous. I have been in poly relationships since the age of 18. My poly relationships have been along the lines of Dee's experience where W/we all lived under the same roof. Now mind you not all of them worked or was perfect but I did learn with each new experience what type of poly relationships I could and could not be in. I will also be honest that My longest relationship was a poly one, 18 years. Where there were time periods of being lucky enough to have another woman involved and periods of monogamy only because I had not brought someone into the relationship. My first two experiences with being poly involved bio-men but they never touched Me.
The first one was a nightmare beyond belief. However I think there was a few things playing into that for Me, one of which was that a biologically male was involved and the woman I was with did not know the meaning of honesty. I was also very very young 18 to be honest and the poly relationship was not entered into in a proper way, I know that now. It only lasted a year and then only because he was in the Navy and not home for 6 of those months. Keep in mind I was with this woman for about a year before I found out she was actually married to her husband…I told you she truly did not know the meaning of honesty. The second relationship also involved a married couple, male and female, that I lived with. I ended this one because the woman approached Me and said she wanted to leave her husband and was in love with Me. While I was flattered I was not about to be the reason their marriage ended and it was not what the three of us had agreed to at the start. During this time I was defiantly a Top, like being poly it was just in My blood, however I had not officially entered the life style and was not yet a Dom or a Daddy.
Now on the other hand My longest relationship did see the development of Me as Dom and O/our poly experiences only included femmes. L (My ex) was a boi and the only one I have been with so all the other women I brought into the relationship had their own place in the house and with the communication and following of rules and procedures that were put into place at the start of each one It was a very pleasurable experience and I am not referring to just the sex. If it was just about that I sure would not have taken the responsibility of having more than one in My house. I am of the belief not to have more people in My circle then I can at least take care of emotionally, preferably financially and spiritually as well. At the end of O/our relationship the closest I am came to poly was playing with her with the knowledge of anyone I was in the relationship with.
I have tried since then to be monogamous and while I was successful meaning I never cheated on them or left them for someone else I was never really satisfied or happy. Yet I kept trying because so many people told Me being poly was wrong on top of being a Dom was wrong and TG wrong. I really need to move out of the mid-west *laugh*. Then after L ended O/our 23 year friendship in July of this year My whole life changed in a way. Actually in a positive way making Me examine what has happened since 2004 and especially this year allowing Me to also reexamine the poly versus monogamous relationships. I think I could be happy in a mono relationship with the right woman but I feel a part of Me is missing that I am not being true to Myself about.

Honesty, if there is ONE iota of dishonesty it all comes out and tears down the foundation. Tiny bits of manipulation (even if not intentional) also tears down the foundation. Syr does NOT do well with even the smallest amount of dishonesty, manipulation or secrets.

Monogamy sounds like a nice break after all you have been through. Hell being single sounds like a nice break too, sorry you've been through so much. This life can certainly take a toll on a person if things are not as they should be.

i don't feel that it is the Dominants responsibility to take care of others' emotional, spiritual and sometimes financial well being. i do feel it's the role of the Dominant to guide us in those things, help us make decisions so that we are self sufficient. We all have a role here around here, Syr is at the helm and certainly does her share of care for all us, which is appreciated greatly. The boi and Syr go back a long time, like 20 years and without that kinship the boi would not be where she is today as Syr has paved the way for her to have the life she has today. Without Syr i would not be here. Even with all of that i don't feel it's her job to do so, but she still does it willingly.

Our job is to try to maintain peace and harmony, and i fail at this sometimes. Syr has her hands full and i never want to add to that.

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

Originally Posted by Cajun_dee

Honesty, if there is ONE iota of dishonesty it all comes out and tears down the foundation. Tiny bits of manipulation (even if not intentional) also tears down the foundation. Syr does NOT do well with even the smallest amount of dishonesty, manipulation or secrets.

Monogamy sounds like a nice break after all you have been through. Hell being single sounds like a nice break too, sorry you've been through so much. This life can certainly take a toll on a person if things are not as they should be.

i don't feel that it is the Dominants responsibility to take care of others' emotional, spiritual and sometimes financial well being. i do feel it's the role of the Dominant to guide us in those things, help us make decisions so that we are self sufficient. We all have a role here around here, Syr is at the helm and certainly does her share of care for all us, which is appreciated greatly. The boi and Syr go back a long time, like 20 years and without that kinship the boi would not be where she is today as Syr has paved the way for her to have the life she has today. Without Syr i would not be here. Even with all of that i don't feel it's her job to do so, but she still does it willingly.

Our job is to try to maintain peace and harmony, and i fail at this sometimes. Syr has her hands full and i never want to add to that.

I agree completely on how dishonesty, manipulation, and secrets tear down the foundation of any relationship but especially a poly relationship. Even if all members do not live under the same roof those three things have to be in place in My opinion.

I am of the belief of 100% honesty from E/everyone (including Myself) 100% of the time. It is an automatic deal breaker for Me whether starting a new relationship (mono or poly), continuing a current relationship, or bringing someone else into the relationship. As for manipulation I think when that occurs it can fall into the jealous and insecurity the girl/boi is feeling. I think it was you Dee that said jealous is about feeling like someone is getting something from Syr/Sir that you want (forgive Me if that is a misquote). I agree with that 100% as well and I believe that is eliminated when there is open communication with A/all members of the family or relationship. I am capable of loving more then one person at the time and it is not always a sexual relationship but it is intimate if that makes sense.

Actually at first monogamy was a nice break. It gave Me time to concentrate on making Me a better person and it was during a monogamous relationship that I discovered the Daddy I am, quit by accident, and I would not trade that experience for anything but that is another thread. However, being in a monogamous relationship started feeling wrong for Me, like I was being dishonest to Myself by denying who I am. So I did take a break from all relationships and was single for about two years now. Now I am open and ready for a new relationship and I am not putting a limit on whether it will be poly or mono. It will however be true to who I am and 100% honest.

To clarify My belief that I am not with more people then I can emotionally, spiritually, financially take care of I meant in a similar way as your Syr. I think it is My responsibility to always be fair with the people in My relationships and they enhance Me and any others as well. It does Me no good or the others in the relationship any good if I spread Myself to thin, have to many subs,girls, or bois in the relationship. To much of a chance for jealousy and reduces My ability to guide them and be there for them when they need Me in some way. E/everyone has their role and if it is working right E/everyone benefits each other, especially if W/we are under the same roof. I really do not know what type of relationship My journey will lead Me to a poly or mono I just know I am finally ready for a r/l relationship again.

Thank you for responding and sharing your experience Dee.

[Ms. Meander]

Is anyone interested in picking up the discussion? I have been making some changes in how I approach intimate relationships and dating, and feel I could use some support and/or just a place to talk it out.

After some unsuccessful poly dabbling in my youth I gave it up for years of serial monogamy. The draw toward polyamory has never left me, though. And as I get older and grow wiser in so many other areas of my life, it seems more and more possible, no - necessary, for me to explore further. I feel entirely confident of my own ability to handle it well. I have a lot of self awareness, good communication skills, the ability to self-care, and I play well with others.

One thing is for certain: that I will be very selective about who I decide to become involved with. I need to be certain that others are meeting me on the same level, that we truly have something healthy to offer each other. I have lived and grown through too much bullshit to allow myself to get sucked into anyone else's emotional immaturity.

All of that said --- the adventure has already begun as I have recently begun to date someone who has a full poly lifestyle, with a primary, secondary, and play partners. It remains to be seen where I will fit in, if anywhere, but right now I am really enjoying her company and the overall experience. I am having my first opportunities to experience myself in relation to sharing and division of time. So far, it feels pretty good. I personally require so much time to myself that it is a relief not to feel pressured to be available all the time. And I know when I do see her I will cherish it all the more for the effort made to carve out special time just for us.

So, I think I've made a good start! I welcome any input.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Ms. Meander

All of that said --- the adventure has already begun as I have recently begun to date someone who has a full poly lifestyle, with a primary, secondary, and play partners. It remains to be seen where I will fit in, if anywhere, but right now I am really enjoying her company and the overall experience.

she sounds like a busy girl! Congrats on the experience tho. I wonder if she would be available if you needed her?

My own personal description of poly would be within a bdsm structure. I know that most poly relationships have rules about outside play partners. In my house there would be none of that. I would need to completely control all of that.

I think poly makes sense if you can make it work. Honestly I;ve only seen a few cases where it did and in all it was within a BDSM house. Then again I admit that I'm not entirely in the know. But I'd like to know others and explore this as an option. In my dreams I dream of having one femme and one boi. I think it would be perfect for me. I too need a lot of space and a lone time which makes a slave feel insecure at times.

[Ms. Meander]

Originally Posted by Sachita

she sounds like a busy girl! Congrats on the experience tho. I wonder if she would be available if you needed her?

My own personal description of poly would be within a bdsm structure. I know that most poly relationships have rules about outside play partners. In my house there would be none of that. I would need to completely control all of that.

I think poly makes sense if you can make it work. Honestly I;ve only seen a few cases where it did and in all it was within a BDSM house. Then again I admit that I'm not entirely in the know. But I'd like to know others and explore this as an option. In my dreams I dream of having one femme and one boi. I think it would be perfect for me. I too need a lot of space and a lone time which makes a slave feel insecure at times.

She is busy. Truth. But that works for me right now. At the moment I'm taking my time in this evolution and don't need more than "dating". I even hesitate to use the word "polyamorous" because it actually refers to a specific style of nonmonagamy but we tend to lump all others under that heading. (I've been reading the book Opening Up: A guide to creating and sustaining open relationships. It outlines several different styles including but not limited to - partnered nonmonogamy, swinging, polyamory, solo polyamory, polyfidelity, and mono/poly combos). I don't really know yet exactly where I'll land and I'm all about exploring openly. And in the meantime, or really as a part of that, I'm still requiring intimacy.

There is also a BDSM component to all of this for me. The person I'm dating certainly has that going on and I am appreciating learning about how that all works for her. Mostly, I am hooked on the openness and honesty that she is displaying. It is so refreshing. My own self in relation to BDSM is something that is evolving too. Historically I have been strictly submissive and have even engaged in a couple of full-time D/s relationships. However I feel something shifting for me there. I'm still a sub but feel something new coming to the surface. Like I'm part girl and part Mama - both equally valid. Not entirely sure what to do with that yet. Perhaps I should take that to the BDSM exploration thread where I've been lurking a bit lately anyway.

So. I am an ever-evolving work in progress who wants it all while I figure it out. Is that so much to ask? I know it's a lot but I really think it's possible. Perhaps my Pollyanna is showing?

[girl_dee]

Hi there!

i'm glad to see you trying again if that is what you wish for. i've learned quite a lot about myself over the last 2 years and much more about others.

i've always been wired for poly but needed someone who was 100% honest, trusting and fully devoted to leave me feeling confident enough to avoid all feelings of jealousy.

One thing is for sure, ANY iota of dishonesty or hidden agenda will crumble the circle.

it was once described to me as a spider web, and if one of the spiders anywhere on the web pulls. the whole web pulls, it may not fall but it's felt by everyone involved.

How true that has been for us.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

Hi there!

i'm glad to see you trying again if that is what you wish for. i've learned quite a lot about myself over the last 2 years and much more about others.

i've always been wired for poly but needed someone who was 100% honest, trusting and fully devoted to leave me feeling confident enough to avoid all feelings of jealousy.

One thing is for sure, ANY iota of dishonesty or hidden agenda will crumble the circle.

it was once described to me as a spider web, and if one of the spiders anywhere on the web pulls. the whole web pulls, it may not fall but it's felt by everyone involved.

How true that has been for us.

I think dishonesty in any relationship is sucky. I hate secrets and being in the dark.

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by Sachita

I think dishonesty in any relationship is sucky. I hate secrets and being in the dark.

Very true but the difference is that many people are directly affected where a poly relationship is concerned.

[Ms. Meander]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

Hi there!

i'm glad to see you trying again if that is what you wish for. i've learned quite a lot about myself over the last 2 years and much more about others.

i've always been wired for poly but needed someone who was 100% honest, trusting and fully devoted to leave me feeling confident enough to avoid all feelings of jealousy.

One thing is for sure, ANY iota of dishonesty or hidden agenda will crumble the circle.

it was once described to me as a spider web, and if one of the spiders anywhere on the web pulls. the whole web pulls, it may not fall but it's felt by everyone involved.

How true that has been for us.

Honesty. Yes. I need it. Secrets literally make me ill. I am very intuitive and empathic so when something is being kept from me, I sense it. Sometimes I can name it and sometimes it just makes me ill - especially when I try to name it and it is denied by someone else. I just have no space and tolerance for that. Even if the truth is hard, I find it much more acceptable than the alternatives!

I know it can get complicated the more people you add. I know I can do it and that gives me faith that others out there can too. I think I'm prepared for some trial and error, and perhaps some disappointments. But that's part of life, right? What I can do is be my best self and attract the same. I'm here to learn. With an absolutely open and loving heart.

[QueenofSmirks]

Originally Posted by Ms. Meander

Is anyone interested in picking up the discussion? I have been making some changes in how I approach intimate relationships and dating, and feel I could use some support and/or just a place to talk it out.

After some unsuccessful poly dabbling in my youth I gave it up for years of serial monogamy. The draw toward polyamory has never left me, though. And as I get older and grow wiser in so many other areas of my life, it seems more and more possible, no - necessary, for me to explore further. I feel entirely confident of my own ability to handle it well. I have a lot of self awareness, good communication skills, the ability to self-care, and I play well with others.

One thing is for certain: that I will be very selective about who I decide to become involved with. I need to be certain that others are meeting me on the same level, that we truly have something healthy to offer each other. I have lived and grown through too much bullshit to allow myself to get sucked into anyone else's emotional immaturity.

All of that said --- the adventure has already begun as I have recently begun to date someone who has a full poly lifestyle, with a primary, secondary, and play partners. It remains to be seen where I will fit in, if anywhere, but right now I am really enjoying her company and the overall experience. I am having my first opportunities to experience myself in relation to sharing and division of time. So far, it feels pretty good. I personally require so much time to myself that it is a relief not to feel pressured to be available all the time. And I know when I do see her I will cherish it all the more for the effort made to carve out special time just for us.

So, I think I've made a good start! I welcome any input.

Ms Meander, first of all, congratulations on your new journey I can truly relate to the first part of the sentence I highlighted in your post - it's one of the things I recognized about myself at some point, and is a fundamental component of why I am poly. However, I find at times I have to reassert those boundaries so that I *can* have time to myself.

I have more to say, but I have to be out the door in 30 minutes, so will continue later!