Relationships: Multiple Partners?

[Giovanni]

Ok I was just wondering what eveyones views on relationships with multiple partners who all know about each other are. As a hypothetical example, 3 girls and two guys... You know, stuff of that nature.

Was just a passing thought of random curiosity...

So opinions?

And lets try and keep it MATURE! Not knee-jerk-horny-high-school-freshman "Wow think of the sex."

I want honest opinions... Personally I think that as long as all the parties involved are ok with it, then it is ok... But I have been told repeatedly that I fall off the far left end of the Social Progressive side of the spectrum.

[ChuckDaTruck]

I honestly don't care. If everyone knows about it, then that's their choice. ANd I ain't one for judging others choices.

I gave it an okay.

[Tinder]

My first instinct is to say no, but on reflection I can no more say that responsible adults should not be permitted to do this (and I assume you're talking about actual legislation, such as bigamy laws) than any other unorthodox relationship.

The question is, how much of my initial reaction is social conditioning, or is any of it something more basic (ie human instinct). I know the Bible forbids such things, but for obvious reasons that means nothing to me. Nevertheless I have been raised in a society that considers a 'correct' relationship to involve two people (nominally a man and a woman, but not for the majority of my parents' friends so...).
Personally although as Gio said, when you talk about threesomes and suchlike people think of sex, but it escapes my understanding how a group of people could have an equal, loving relationship unless it was a simple pair. Of course, just because I can't really conceive of something doesn't make it impossible, and just because I disapprove of something doesn't mean I have a right to impose my view on others (lessons to be learned for those who disapprove of same sex relationships).

[Xiph0]

My first instinct is to say no, but on reflection I can no more say that responsible adults should not be permitted to do this (and I assume you're talking about actual legislation, such as bigamy laws) than any other unorthodox relationship.

The question is, how much of my initial reaction is social conditioning, or is any of it something more basic (ie human instinct). I know the Bible forbids such things, but for obvious reasons that means nothing to me. Nevertheless I have been raised in a society that considers a 'correct' relationship to involve two people (nominally a man and a woman, but not for the majority of my parents' friends so...).
Personally although as Gio said, when you talk about threesomes and suchlike people think of sex, but it escapes my understanding how a group of people could have an equal, loving relationship unless it was a simple pair. Of course, just because I can't really conceive of something doesn't make it impossible, and just because I disapprove of something doesn't mean I have a right to impose my view on others (lessons to be learned for those who disapprove of same sex relationships).

Hit the nail on the head Tinder, g/j.

I agree with That ^- and am completely for this, sex and relationships alike. :lol:

[Myst]

... my opinion on this is none, It's up to you what you want to do, not me.


/Myst

[Rob]

I've actually got a friend who's in a polygynous relationship (and we're not talking about bigamy, we're talking about multiple girlfriends/boyfriends, etc.., not marriages). It's not that complicated although it seems forbiddingly so. The premise works on the basis that you act like adults - as previously mentioned, not just thinking about sex - but having a lifestyle where you freely share most aspects of your life with another. There's undoubtedly jealousy problems but when in the relationship there's the expectation that you try to be as equal sharing and as open with both as possible. This works way better when the relationships are such that if one person were to leave, the other two wouldn't have a problem continuing in their relationships, even if they're same sex.

Usually you find these sorts of relationships in bisexual same-sex couples - my friend, Chris, was invited to join a relationship by a pair of girls. It works for them, and although I admit to having the same reaction as Tinder did originally, I don't think it's instinct so much as social conditioning. The catch about these relationships is that they demand maturity - and thust they have more potential to go wrong, but if you can succeed with it, I guess it's absolutely fantastic, Chris says he wouldn't change it for the world.

[Midknight]

If it's not hurting me, or anyone else, and they're happy, bang away, and god bless you, and here's a sex toy book, remember to use my reference code so I get free stuff for your purchases!

[ChuckDaTruck]

Here's where I have some issues.

What if they are true blue polygamists.

I have no problem with polygamy, but what if they have kids? Is it fair to raise these kids in such an environment?

Of course, the same arguement could be made for gay families. Meh. I say give it to them, even if they have kids.

But how do YOU guys feel about it? Do you feel like its appropriate or acceptable if kids are involved?

[Giovanni]

I am inclined to say yes. After all, what about the kids in heterosexual monogamous relationships? Wont they have a higher likelyhood of being socially conditioned to accept monogamy?

[Silent]

Here's where I have some issues.

What if they are true blue polygamists.

I have no problem with polygamy, but what if they have kids? Is it fair to raise these kids in such an environment?

Of course, the same arguement could be made for gay families. Meh. I say give it to them, even if they have kids.

But how do YOU guys feel about it? Do you feel like its appropriate or acceptable if kids are involved?

In my opinion, if the kids are cared for lovingly and appropriately, and they know that there are other types of relationships as well, wouldn't more people to care for children improve their upbringing, rather than damaging it?

After all, most to all couples keep things PG-rated around young children, so from a child's perspective there would probably be little difference between a polygamous relationship's family life, and that of a family where extended family members lived in the home.

Edit: Sorry, I'm using long sentences and can't fix it.

[Lord Ravenclaw]

I had to say yes. Why? I don't see a problem with it, as long as it isn't detrimental to one of the individuals. I was never religious to begin with, and my family was rather left. My position is pretty much the same for polygamy/bigamy, gay marriage, etc...if it isn't detrimental, just let them. Who cares?

[ghst.san]

I dont mind if other people have such a relationship but I think that mostly it won't work.
This kinda reminds me at the hippy communities. As far as I know some of them where pretty much the same way that you described here.

I guess that as long as they are raising their child well there should be no problem.

[Zevrillion]

I had to say yes. Why? I don't see a problem with it, as long as it isn't detrimental to one of the individuals. I was never religious to begin with, and my family was rather left. My position is pretty much the same for polygamy/bigamy, gay marriage, etc...if it isn't detrimental, just let them. Who cares?

I feel the same way, but I don't think it will work. The social hierarchy in such relation will probably create jealousy or it's just a physical relation, but what relationship doesn't have its problems, so who knows, but I am sceptic.