Best Dating Apps For Ethical Non Monogamous Relationships
Polyamory has existed in various forms for centuries. It’s still practiced around the world. Despite that, if you are reading this, you have most likely been taught that one-on-one relationships are the ultimate goal. Polyamory has largely been seen as a fringe, even sinful, lifestyle. At least that was the case until recently. Today, Polyamory is gaining mainstream acceptance. According to Psychology Today, 21% of people have engaged in some form of non-monogamy. Additionally, younger generations are much more accepting of polyamory than their parents and grandparents.
Some dating apps have recognized this trend, and have offered choices to accommodate people who practice ethical non-monogamy. Other dating platforms have always welcomed non-monogamous users, and are being rewarded with new attention. Check out this overview of poly-friendly dating apps to see how online dating and ethical non-monogamy work together.
What is Ethical Non-Monogamy
Ethical non-monogamy is an umbrella term that covers polyamorous relationships that operate under ethical principles. These include honesty, open communication, and informed consent. The purpose is to ensure that everyone who takes part in a polyamorous relationship does so being honest about their intentions and those of their partners.
There are many different types of non-monogamy including:
- Solo Polyamory – Practiced by individuals who do not identify as part of a couple or polycule. All partners are treated equally.
- Hierarchical – Practiced by couples who see one another as primary partners. Other relationships are treated as secondary. This is only ethical if roles and expectations are clearly communicated.
- Relationship Anarchy – Ditches traditional beliefs about relationship roles and priorities. Treats all relationship types as equal and valid.
- Polyfidelity – Multiple partners who date one another, but limit sexual or romantic connections to the established group. This includes closed polycules and throuples
There are other relationship arrangements that are non-monogamous, and that can also be considered ethical. For example, swinging and open relationships can be executed in an ethical way as long as everyone involved sticks to the principles of honesty, communication, and consent.
#Open – An Open Relationship Dating App
As ethical non-monogamy trends, #Open stands out as an app designed by the polyamory community, for the polyamory community. It combines dating app features that allow for exploring, flirting, and connecting with community features including live meetups. #Open has become an online dating and social hub for people who are new to non-monogamy, and for those who have years of experience.
Taimi – When Queerness And Non-Monogamy Intersect
Are polyamorous people queer? That depends on who you ask. There are certainly queer folks who are polyamorous. There are also folks who practice ethical non-monogamy who identify as queer, because they believe that ENM experiences often align with those of the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, some polyamorous people do not identify as queer, and that’s okay too.
For people who are queer and non-monogamous, Taimi is an LGBTQ+ platform that also has features that allow it to function as a poly dating app. Users can select non-monogamy as their preferred relationship type. This allows them to connect their account with current partners. They can also set a range of preferences rather than being limited to a single gender identity or sexuality.
Feeld – A Well-Established App For Alternative Dating Styles
Feeld is a sex-positive dating app that was created for open-minded people. It welcomes users who are interested in looking beyond traditional dating – including those who are interested in different forms of non-monogamy. ENM users on FEELD can use the app as singles or couples. However, each partner in a couple must have their own separate account which is then joined with their partner’s using the platform’s constellation feature. This approach is often praised as a way of discouraging unicorn hunters, but criticized as it limits connections to just one partner.
Lex – A Text-Based Poly-Affirming Dating Platform
Lex began as a community focused, personal ads platform for queer, non-monogamous, and other non-traditional folks. Although there is now a Lex dating app, this platform has earned its popularity by eschewing many of the popular features its competitors embrace. For example, members start by writing a text-based post about themselves and what they are looking for – similar to a personal ad. They can then explore profiles using search filters, take part in group chats, and take part in events held in their own communities. It is important to note that although Lex is identified as a queer dating app, it is open to people who are polyamorous, but identify as straight.
Plura – Emphasizing Community And Connection
Plura is another dating app that was created with the ethically non-monogamous in mind. It was designed to help users connect for romance, sex, friendship, long term relationships, and more. Because Plura does not presume where potential matches will lead, each connection is simply referred to as a “bud”. Members can use their bios to indicate exactly what they are interested in. Additionally, Plura teams up with local events partners to hold poly-friendly events from hikes to happy hours.
Polyamory – Beyond a Trend
Because so many dating apps have begun welcoming non-monogamous users, it’s easy to see polyamory as a trend. However, it goes deeper than that. This shift signifies widening acceptance of different relationship types and lifestyles. That is a change that indicates a social shift towards relationship autonomy and sex positivity.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Sildenafil or any prescription medication.