Glossary and Definitions for Polyamory & Ethical Non-Monogamy

Agreements – specific parameters designated by a couple describing how they will set up their non-

monogamous relationship.

Compersion – a feeling of joy when a loved one finds/gains/experiences pleasure from another romantic

or sexual relationship or encounter

Emotional Polyamory – the philosophy, practice, or state of having more than one “in-love” relationship

at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved

Ethical Non-Monogamy – the act of celebrating and expressing sexuality with more than one person,

while being open and honest with all parties involved

Golden Ticket – a limited pass to engage in sexual activity outside of a marriage or relationship, usually

with constraints on time, sexual activities, and certain people

LGBT – an acronym standing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered

Love Template – a description of specific actions that make a particular person feel loved

New Monogamy – a phrase coined by Tammy Nelson, “The New Monogamy: Redefining Your Relationships after Infidelity”,
some people use the phrase to describe a way of being primarily monogamous but with agreed upon exceptions

New Relationship Energy – describes the feelings, thoughts and sensations at the beginning of significant
romantic and/or sexual relationships. The excitement and intensity of these feelings is thought to fade over time.

Open Marriage – a romantic union that allows either person to have sex, relationships, and/or romance

outside of the marriage

Play Party – a social gathering where designated spaces allow for sexual activity to happen

Polyamory – the philosophy, practice, or state of having more than one sexual and/or loving relationship

at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved

Poly Relationship – a relationship that allows for polyamory

Relationship Artistry – an ongoing daily practice of connecting and nurturing attachment in a marriage

and/or relationship

Relationship Manna – the nourishing aspects of a relationship that can feel like miraculous happenings

but are actually fostered from long-term habits

Relationship Mission Statement – three or four sentences that describe the value system and/or vision of

a relationship(s)

Sex Positive – the belief and philosophy that sex, pleasure and eroticism is a healthy and natural part of life

Swinging – a lifestyle of non-monogamy whereby sexual relations occur outside the established couple;

swingers generally do not create long-term romantic attachments with their outside partners, thus

distinguishing themselves from polyamory, which allows for long term “in-love” relationships and

chosen family

Triad – three people engaged in a polyamorous relationship together

Vicarush – (noun) portmanteau of Vicarious Crush, happens when somebody else
develops an attraction on your partner which triggers memories and feelings of your initial
and ongoing attraction to your partner (another aspect of compersion)

Quad – four people engaged in a polyamorous relationship together

Queer – originally a pejorative term, it is now being reclaimed by many in the gay community,
an umbrella term for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people