Why Does Polyamory Seem So Popular Right Now?
TikTok video from 2022-06-23
Someone asked me recently, "How come polyamory is suddenly popular?" And it’s a question worth unpacking—because what looks like a trend is really something much deeper.
Let’s be clear: polyamory isn’t new. Humans have practiced consensual non-monogamy in many forms across cultures and centuries. What’s changed isn’t the practice—it’s the visibility.
The internet, social media, and platforms like TikTok and Reddit have given people space to speak openly about how they live and love. These aren’t new lifestyles; they’re just no longer hidden in the shadows. More people are seeing polyamory, which gives the illusion of it becoming more “popular.”
When I first learned about polyamory five years ago, it wasn’t through a viral post or pop culture—it was through personal conversations. I had friends who had been polyamorous for years. I just didn’t know. And when I started asking questions, I discovered something that felt natural to me.
Then, about three and a half years ago, my husband fell in love with a friend of ours. They wanted to explore that connection. We’d been married for decades, and our love was still strong—but we both knew we weren’t meeting all of each other's needs. And we weren’t meant to. So instead of resisting, we opened our relationship.
What surprised me most wasn’t how possible it was—it was how right it felt. For us, anyway.
There’s a misconception that polyamory is for people who are afraid of commitment, or for couples trying to “fix” something. That hasn’t been my experience.
In fact, polyamory has deepened my sense of commitment—to myself, my husband, and the people I date. It’s not an escape route. It’s a path to honesty, self-awareness, and very intentional love.
Polyamory works when it’s based on clear communication, respect, consent, and yes—emotional responsibility. That’s not something you can fake.
In our relationship, we don’t follow a script. My husband dates other women. I date other men. I’ve built friendships with some of the women he’s loved—my metas. I’ll be sharing more about those dynamics soon, because they’re often left out of the conversation.
This isn’t about swinging or open marriage stereotypes. It’s about choosing connection in the form that fits who we are today—not who we were when we said “I do” thirty-five years ago.
Polyamory isn’t a trend. It’s a way of relating to others with intentional honesty. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those of us living it, this visibility? It’s not hype. It’s liberation.
