Building trust in any relationship is crucial, but in a poly relationship, it is essential. This post will help you understand the importance of trust when it comes to polyamory, providing a comprehensive guide on establishing and maintaining trust in your poly relationship.
Poly Relationship Trust Table of Contents
Understanding Trust in Polyamorous Relationships
Understanding Trust in Polyamorous Relationships
Trust in a polyamorous relationship is as important—if not more so—than in a monogamous relationship. Trust is the foundation on which polyamory is built, and without it, the relationship may crumble. In a polyamorous relationship, trust can be divided into three main components:
1. Trust in yourself: Knowing and understanding your own emotions, desires and boundaries.
2. Trust in your partner(s): Believing in their ability to maintain commitments and communicate openly and honestly.
3. Trust in your relationship(s): Feeling secure and confident in the relationship structure and the agreements between all parties.
Establishing Trust in a New Poly Relationship
In the beginning stages of a poly relationship, it may be difficult to trust someone new. Here are some tips to help you establish trust with a new partner:
1.
Communicate openly
: Open and honest communication is vital for establishing and maintaining trust. Share your feelings, needs, and boundaries to create a strong foundation for your relationship.
2.
Create agreements
: Establish agreements about how your relationship will function, including rules about communication, boundaries, and how conflicts will be resolved. Ensure that everyone involved is on the same page.
3.
Do your research
: Educate yourself on the principles of polyamory and common relationship structures. This will help you better understand the dynamics of a poly relationship and develop realistic expectations.
4.
Take it slow
: It takes time to build trust, especially in a poly relationship. Give yourself and your partner(s) the time and space to get to know one another and develop a solid foundation for trust.
Maintaining Trust in an Established Poly Relationship
Establishing trust is just the beginning. You must also actively maintain trust in your poly relationship. Here are some tips for maintaining trust with your partner(s):
1.
Keep communication open
: Regularly check in with your partner(s) about your feelings, needs, and boundaries. This will help ensure that everyone remains aware and on the same page as your relationship evolves.
2.
Honor agreements
: Stick to your agreements to maintain trust with your partner(s). If you find that an agreement no longer works for you, communicate your concerns and negotiate any necessary changes.
3.
Support each other
: Show your partner(s) that you care about their needs and desires by providing support when needed. Demonstrate that you have their best interests at heart.
4.
Practice emotional self-awareness
: Reflect on your own emotions and reactions within your poly relationship. This mindfulness can help you better understand your partner(s) and maintain trust.
Poly Relationship Trust Example:
Jen, Alex, and Sam recently began a triad polyamorous relationship. To establish and maintain trust, they decided to have regular check-ins where they discuss their feelings, needs, and boundaries. Each month, they come together to openly and honestly discuss any updates or concerns.
In one of their check-ins, Jen brought up the fact that she's struggling with feelings of jealousy due to Alex spending more time with Sam. Instead of dismissing her feelings, Alex and Sam listen carefully and validate Jen's emotions. They all discuss how to make changes, such as scheduling more one-on-one time between Jen and Alex, to address Jen's concerns and work on maintaining trust.
Trust and honesty are the foundations of any successful poly relationship. Establish and maintain trust in your polyamorous connections by communicating openly and honestly, adhering to agreements, and being emotionally supportive. If you found this guide helpful and informative, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it. Don't forget to check out our other guides on The Monogamy Experiment for more valuable information about polyamory, monogamy, and everything in between!
