Navigating Ethical Non-Monogamy:A Personal Journey of Love and Friendship
TikTok video from 2022-01-13
Love is limitless. I never imagined that, after 35 years of marriage, I would be rewriting my own love story—one filled with new connections, deep friendships, and a kind of freedom I hadn’t known was possible. My name is Lisa, and I’m a polyamorous woman and relationship anarchist. My journey into ethical non-monogamy (ENM) wasn’t about dissatisfaction or escape; it was about expansion—of love, of trust, and of the way my husband and I connect with others.
Ethical non-monogamy isn’t just about multiple romantic partners—it’s about honesty, consent, and meaningful relationships built on communication. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life.
Meeting Orion – A New Connection in Ethical Non-Monogamy
When I first started exploring polyamory, I knew I wanted deep, intentional connections. I wasn’t interested in casual encounters or surface-level interactions—I wanted relationships built on trust, emotional depth, and shared values. That’s when I discovered #Open, a dating and community platform designed for people like me—those embracing ethical non-monogamy with intention.
It was there that I met Orion. Our connection started with slow, thoughtful conversations—discussions about love, philosophy, and the kind of relationships we wanted to cultivate. Over time, messages turned into long phone calls, and eventually, we met in person.
There was no rush, no pressure—just a natural unfolding of connection. In ENM, relationships don’t have to follow a predefined script. Instead, they grow in the ways that feel most authentic, and my bond with Orion deepened in a way that felt effortless and right.
Expanding the Relationship – Meeting Orion’s Wife
One of the most important aspects of ethical non-monogamy is transparency. As Orion and I grew closer, I had the opportunity to visit his home and meet his wife, Ami.
I won’t lie—there was a moment of nervousness before we met. Would she like me? Would there be tension? But as soon as they picked me up at the airport, I was met with warmth and kindness.
Ami was welcoming, confident, and open, embodying the spirit of ENM that I had come to love. The experience reminded me that polyamory isn’t just about romantic partners—it’s also about the friendships we build with metamours (our partners’ partners).
Over time, I found a beautiful balance between maintaining my deep bond with my husband, nurturing my connection with Orion, and fostering a meaningful friendship with Ami. These relationships were never about competition—they were about expanding love, trust, and support. The four of us became friends, organically.
The Unique Friendship Between Orion and My Husband
One of the most unexpected joys of my journey was watching my husband and Orion form a deep friendship. In a world that often paints polyamorous relationships as a source of tension or rivalry, their bond was a refreshing reminder of what ENM is truly about—connection, not competition.
What started as casual conversations evolved into an authentic friendship. They talked about life, philosophy, and the beauty of love without limitations. Instead of seeing each other as "rivals," they became allies in this shared vision of non-traditional relationships.
This is one of the things I love most about ENM. It challenges societal norms about jealousy and possession, proving that love doesn’t take away from one person to give to another—it multiplies.
Creating a Supportive and Loving ENM Community
As our connections deepened, something beautiful happened—we started to build a community together. Instead of treating our relationships as separate and compartmentalized, we embraced the idea of a chosen family.
To avoid extreme weather, we began spending seasons together in different states, creating memories, and sharing experiences. In the winter, Orion and Ami joined us in Florida, and to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of summer, we’d visit them in the upper midwest and work on projects at their home… Instead of living by the rigid structures of traditional relationships, we built a life that worked for us—a life full of love, freedom, and deep companionship.
This experience taught me that polyamory isn’t just about romantic love—it’s about building intentional connections. It’s about creating a support system where everyone thrives.
The Joy of Ethical Non-Monogamy
What I’ve gained from ethical non-monogamy goes far beyond multiple relationships. It’s given me:
The freedom to love without limits
The ability to trust deeply
A community of people who uplift and support me
ENM challenges the idea that love must be restricted to one person. Instead, it allows us to experience a variety of fulfilling relationships, each unique in its own way. Through honesty, trust, and open communication, I’ve created a life where friendship and love are deeply intertwined.
Conclusion
My journey with Orion, Ami, and my husband has been one of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life. Ethical non-monogamy has redefined what love looks like for me, and in doing so, it has given me a deeper sense of self-awareness, emotional security, and connection.
For those curious about ENM, I encourage you to start with communication, self-reflection, and mutual respect. Love is not a finite resource—it grows, expands, and transforms when we allow it to. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already embracing non-monogamy, open-hearted connections can lead to the most fulfilling relationships of your life.
—
If you’re exploring ethical non-monogamy, I encourage you to educate yourself, communicate openly, and connect with supportive communities. Love doesn’t have to be limited by traditional relationship norms—it can be as expansive and abundant as we allow it to be.
Are you curious about ENM? Have you experienced deep, intentional connections in non-traditional relationships? Let’s start a conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with like-minded individuals in ENM communities.
Love freely. Love fully. Love without limits.
