Polyamory is a type of relationship a little outside of the norm. If you are looking to understand more about polyamorous love, marriage, or just interested in informing yourself, knowledge from authors who have been there is a great way to learn!
There are tons of polyamory books out there, and we’ve listed some of the best reads below.
Every relationship will be different – and how they practice polyamory will vary. In essence, a polyamorous couple isn’t a couple; but includes multiple partners, all consenting and taking an active role.
Some polyamorous relationships involve separate couples, who are intimate together at different times, whereas in other marriages or hookups, a polyamorous group might engage in group sex.
There isn’t a defined way to be polyamorous, so it’s always good to keep an open mind and explore what works for you!
Books on polyamory are an exciting way to explore how people with polyamory as a key part of their love life explain those emotions to people in standard relationships.
How Can I Learn More About Polyamory?
Books about polyamory are an ideal way to start; you can educate yourself about terminology without asking awkward questions!
Polyamory romance books are prevalent, which tells us that a few more singles are interested in multiple lovers or relationships with more than one person than perhaps we expect.
It is estimated that 4-5% of US people are polyamorous. It’s vital to ensure you don’t confuse this type of emotional and physical intimacy with cheating or hookups – polyamory is always consensual.
What are the Best Books About Polyamory?
It’s hard to have a definitive list of the best books on polyamory since there are so many polyamory books with a range of information, case studies, experiences, and knowledge.
Here are some of our favorite polyamory books:
- More Than Two by Franklin Veaux – A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory
- Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan – The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality
- Franklin Veaux’s The Game Changer: A Memoir of Disruptive Love
- The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton – A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships & Other Adventures
- Elisabeth Sheff’s The Polyamorists Next Door which explore the topic of: Inside Multiple-Partner Relationships and Families
How Can I Learn More About Polyamory if my Partner Wants to Try It?
This can be a challenging scenario – when one partner is interested in trying a polyamorous relationship, but the other isn’t sure.
It can definitely be a great idea in this situation to spend some time reading up on polyamory to help inform your decisions and understand what might appear to your partner and why they want to give it a try.
A useful publication, in this case, is A Happy Life in an Open Relationship by Susan Wentzel. This author writes from personal experience, as is a qualified sex and relationship therapist whose husband broached the idea of an open relationship.
The book also offers worksheets to help you work through your emotions and feelings to help process your polygamy experience – such as jealousy, feeling left out, or being worried about being abandoned.
Is There a Good Way to Transition Between a Monogamous Relationship into Polygamy?
Yes, an excellent read for learning about communication skills, how to adapt, and moving from a socially accepted norm to a less common relationship structure is below.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of space to unpack feelings and make sure you are your partner keep discussing things as you go!
Building Open Relationships by Dr. Liz Powell is a comprehensive read and has many interactive resources, published by an LGBTQ+ therapist.
Try These Sites for Poly Dating
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