As a therapy practice that focuses on alternative relationships, our therapists have a lot of experience dealing with poly relationships, and a few of of us are in them ourselves. Polyamory comes with many benefits backed by science, the only thing to remember as you review these is that none of them come easy. They definitely don't come the day you decide to become poly. The benefits come over time to people who are committed to building a strong foundation for their polycule. The growth requires leaning in and getting uncomfortable, and having the right support in doing so.

1. Enhanced Communication Skills

Research has found that individuals in polyamorous relationships tend to develop strong communication skills. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships reported higher levels of communication satisfaction compared to those in monogamous relationships. 

As most polyamorous affirming therapists will tell you, polyamory takes work, and it requires a strong foundation of trust and communication. It requires open and honest communication about desires, boundaries, and emotions among multiple partners, so folks who are successful in polyamory often learn to express themselves effectively and empathetically. 

2. Exploration of Identity and Autonomy

Polyamory can offer individuals the opportunity to explore and express different aspects of their identity and sexuality. By engaging in consensual relationships with multiple partners, individuals have the freedom to discover what works best for them in terms of intimacy, connection, and fulfillment. Research suggests that polyamorous individuals often report a greater sense of autonomy and self-awareness compared to those in monogamous relationships. 

Polyamory encourages folks to get outside the box and to embrace their desires and preferences without conforming to societal norms or expectations. Of course, all of this doesn’t come easy, and sometimes research can present a rosy picture without getting into the nitty gritty. Breaking free of societal expectations takes courage, as does communicating difficult emotions when your partner is exploring different aspects of their identity and sexuality. Making sure you have the right foundation of trust and the right ongoing support can be crucial to gaining this benefit. 

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Polyamorous relationships often require flexibility and adaptability, as individuals navigate the complexities of multiple partnerships and evolving dynamics. What was once true at the beginning of a relationship in terms of identity, desire, or dealbreaker might be very different after a few months or few years, and a good relationship can make room for the people in it to evolve and change. 

Research has shown that individuals in polyamorous relationships often develop strong problem-solving skills and emotional resilience in response to challenges. Polyamory encourages individuals to make hard but necessary decision - to prioritize honesty, negotiation, and compromise, which leads to ongoing individual and relational benefits. In other words, the work of polyamory expands your window of tolerance for emotional complexity and ambiguity, and therefore can accommodate more fluidity. 

4. Emotional Support and Resilience

Simply by being in relationships with more than one person, polyamorous people have multiple sources of emotional support. Having multiple partners allows individuals to lean on different people for various forms of support, such as companionship, validation, and empathy. This can create a healthy dynamic where the emotional labor is not overly placed on one member of the relationship. 

Research has shown that having a strong support network is associated with greater emotional resilience and well-being. Additionally, individuals in polyamorous relationships may benefit from experiencing different perspectives and receiving support from partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

5. Equal or Greater Relationship Satisfaction as Traditional Relationships 

As much as we’d like to avoid comparing, it’s important to establish how polyamorous relationships compare to monogamous relationships in the research because of common misconceptions and stigma. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships reported similar levels of relationship satisfaction, commitment, and trust compared to individuals in monogamous relationships. 

Additionally, some research suggests that having multiple partners can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and intimacy, as it gives people the opportunity to connect with different people in unique and meaningful ways.

If you are considering becoming polyamory or already polyamorous, ask yourself if you have the right support to do the work and get these benefits. If you're feeling like you're in over your head, a poly affirming therapist might be a good move. Expansive Therapy prides ourself on being affirming of poly relationships, and we offer free consultations so you can make sure it feels like a match before moving forward.