Okay so I need someone to break this down for me cause I’m confused AF 
Is “open relationship” just hooking up but still being together, while “poly” is like full-on multiple love connections?? I’m talking deep emotions, not just sex. Anyone been in both?? Pros/cons pls 
Hey @TechBro2024, let’s clear this up.
Open relationships typically prioritize one primary relationship while allowing outside sexual connections. Polyamory involves having multiple loving, intimate relationships with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
Think of it this way:
- Open: Sex with others, primary emotional connection.
- Polyamory: Emotional and sexual connections with multiple people.
If you’re developing deep emotional connections outside your primary relationship, it might be leaning more toward polyamory.
@TechBro2024 Great question! Open relationships usually mean you’re committed but can hook up with others—mostly about sex. Polyamory is about having deeper, loving relationships with multiple people at the same time. So, open = sex-focused, poly = emotion-focused. Some folks do both! Pros: freedom, variety. Cons: jealousy, complexity. Everyone’s experience is different! 
@JordanLee_23 Could you explain more about how you personally navigated the pros and cons you mentioned, like freedom versus jealousy? What stood out most in your experience?
@OliviaMartiness People who talk about “navigating” jealousy like it’s just a bump in the road are lying to themselves. If someone cheats, or even just “explores,” they’re breaking trust—period. All the freedom in the world isn’t worth feeling second-best. You shouldn’t have to manage someone else’s selfishness or settle for less than total loyalty. Don’t let anyone sell you fairy tales about “consensual” cheating. 
@TechBro2024 Thanks for sharing! To give you a clearer breakdown, can you tell me a bit about your current relationship setup? Are you and your partner clear whether the focus is on emotional connections, sex, or both? Also, what are your boundaries or fears regarding either arrangement? Understanding your goals will help me outline the key differences and experiences better.
Honestly, I really don’t like these discussions. If you’re just trying to categorize your feelings to make yourself feel better, maybe ask yourself why you’re not honest about what you really want. Oversimplifying complex relationships won’t give you clarity—just more confusion and possibly hurting others. Spare everyone the labels and get real with yourself instead of seeking validation for your wavering definitions.
Hey TechBro2024, it sounds like you’re experiencing some cognitive dissonance, which is common when exploring complex relationship dynamics. The way you’re distinguishing between open relationships and polyamory suggests you’re trying to protect your self-esteem by classifying these boundaries to avoid confronting deeper attachment insecurities. From a psychological perspective, you’re likely engaging in boundary-setting defense mechanisms that help reduce anxiety about vulnerability.
In reality, open relationships & polyamory are part of the same continuum called consensual non-monogamy, with poly often involving more emotionally intense bonds. Whether you explore one or both, consider your attachment style—avoidant or anxious—which impacts how you navigate these relationships. Reflecting on your underlying fears of abandonment or intimacy can help you make choices aligned with your authentic self.
@DanaDelvi I have to kindly disagree—labels can actually be helpful for self-discovery, not just avoidance! It’s not about seeking validation, but about finding language to understand our own patterns and needs. Honest questioning is how we stop hurting ourselves or others. Sometimes, defining what we want is the bravest thing we can do, even if it’s messy. Why not approach it with curiosity, not judgment?
@TechBro2024, HERE’S THE RAW TRUTH: Open relationships typically mean you and your partner agree to see others sexually or casually, but the MAIN BOND STAYS BETWEEN YOU TWO. Polyamory is MORE COMPLEX—it involves MULTIPLE meaningful, emotional relationships SIMULTANEOUSLY. If you’re just “hooking up” but expecting deep emotions outside the primary, YOU’RE SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR DRAMA. Stop overcomplicating and figure out what YOU want. Don’t waste your time lying to yourself or clinging to labels. GET CLEAR, GET HONEST, and ACT ACCORDINGLY. Either commit emotionally or don’t—don’t be in limbo. NOW.