How Do Romantic Relationships Between Three People Work?
Romantic relationships between three people, also known as “triads” or “throuple,” are the non-monogamous way in which three individuals establish a loving and committed bond.
Find out in this article how these connections operate, if they’re correct, and the healthy way to approach them. We’ll also offer information about the possible complications and the difference between this kind of relationship and those of an open nature.
This is how romantic relationships between three people work
Unlike conventional relationships, where an exclusive relationship between two people is generally expected, in the bond between three people, a bond of love, affection, and commitment is built between all members. This is how a work published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior describes it.
These relationships build a strong foundation of communication, honesty, and mutual consent. Each member of the throuple establishes their own emotional and sexual connections with the other two; commitment is built around equality and respect.
Establishing clear agreements about boundaries, expectations, and responsibilities within the relationship is essential. Open and honest communication is the cornerstone to ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported in their love journey together.
You can also read Is It Possible to Love Two People at the Same Time?
There’s no single formula for success in a three-way relationship
Romantic relationships between three people are an increasingly recognized and accepted form of love and human connection. As long as it’s based on consent, communication, and mutual respect, this type of nexus provides an enriching experience for all involved.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that each relationship is unique and that there’s no exclusive formula for success. Openness, flexibility, and a constant commitment to personal and relational growth are critical to managing potential complications. In the end, the most important thing is to seek the happiness and well-being of all the members of the triad.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Cardoso, D., Pascoal, P. M., & Maiochi, F. H. (2021). Defining Polyamory: A Thematic Analysis of Lay People’s Definitions. Archives of sexual behavior, 50(4), 1239–1252. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8321986/
- Grunt-Mejer, K., & Chańska, W. (2020). “How Do They Even Know They Love?” The Image of Polyamory in Polish Expert Discourse. Archives of sexual behavior, 49(8), 2829–2847. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7641943/
- Moors, A. C., Gesselman, A. N., & Garcia, J. R. (2021). Desire, Familiarity, and Engagement in Polyamory: Results From a National Sample of Single Adults in the United States. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 619640. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8023325/
- Noël, M. J. (2006). Progressive polyamory: Considering issues of diversity. Sexualities, 9(5), 602-620. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1363460706070003?journalCode=sexa
- Santiago Álvarez, L. (2018). El poliamor como construcción amorosa dialogada: Estudio cualitativo a [tesis de maestría, Universidad de Almería]. Repositorio UAL. http://repositorio.ual.es/bitstream/handle/10835/7062/TFM_SANTIAGO%20ALVAREZ,%20LAURA.pdf?sequence=1
- Sheff, E. (2017). The Polyamory Breakup Book: Causes, Prevention, and Survival. Thorntree Press.