After reading the questions below how do you perceive polyamory before and now after reading questions

1. What does polyamory mean to you, and how did you decide to explore this relationship style?

Polyamory means your relationship includes the average amount of people you're free to love other people with the confirmation of your other partner. Polyamory comes in multiple shapes as long as everyone is on the same page. A proper love triangle would be where everyone is a consensual relationship

Introducing a lot of things in college which polyamory was one grown attached to Amber and david. Knew Amber in Michael in college. Kind of happened after one long night of talking Amber, David, Michael Emily talked all day which decision was made from there and also, trying to figure something out.

1. What advice do you have for individuals or couples interested in exploring polyamory for the first time?

Communication! Normal relationships work better when you talk together, it is even more vital for polyamory.

Different communication styles per partner. "Co-captains" with Ember. Married to Michael but is also with Ember and David. David and Ember are together but David and Michael are not.

Every couple is different.

1. How do you navigate communication and boundaries within your polyamorous relationship?

Sit down meetings. Literally. They discuss where they are at as a whole. Ember and Emily know each other well enough to know what is confidential between them and when it is necessary to share with the other partners. Each partner is respectful to the other pairs.

David is currently working through it. His parents are deeply religious

1. What are some of the difficulties you have as a polyamorous relationship, particularly in terms of the expectations or judgments of society?

We take it as a case-by-case basis. Their relationship is not out for show but typically do not disclose if not asked. Some family does not know and does not need to know.

Some friends and family have come around to accept. Ember and Davids's family do not know.

1. Within your polyamorous relationships, what are some of the ways you support one another and ensure that you continue to have a feeling of closeness and connection with one another?

Date nights! Stay home with movies games and snacks. Emily and Ember hang with a different friend. David and Ember have coffee togetherEmily and Ember role-play (sexually).

1. How can social professionals and practitioners better help the polyamorous community?

Having more options for group therapy. Amongst their quad and other partnerships.

Swinging is when you're committed to your partner single heart and soul but sexually with other partners

Polyamoury has all the elements of a relationship

1. What particular difficulties and obstacles does the polyamorous community have in accessing mental health and healthcare services?

That is not even a question on the exam. A general "sexually active"

Depends on the doctor and their bedside manner

Mental health and emotional health

"Team building" exercises from therapists

Person A is into the relationship but person B is not. In the early stages some partners are not actually into polyamorous

Sister wives is not POLYAMORY

1. Could you share your personal journey and experiences that led you to discover that you enjoy the polyamorous lifestyle? Were there any key moments or realizations that helped you understand that this relationship style was right for you?

Emily had an ah-ha moment while single. She was enjoying her friends' company in college right before moving in all together. Her social circle was gathered together and she realized wanted a tight- knit intimate community.

Ember had a lot of moments in college where she was with Michael and Emily doing things like hanging out and cooking food in the community rooms of the dorms. It was nice to have the people who liked you near you. They learned what they know from Tumblr about polyamourous. Ember is asexual.

Ember Triple A battery - agender/gender neutral, aromantic (not into dates or romantic things but participates for partners), asexual (demi-sexual for them) does not feel a need to sexual interaction

1. Let me know if it's is too personal. In a social environment that often stigmatizes variation outside of the heteronormative relationships, are you willing to share if your families are accepting of your romantic relationship(s)? How did you find your community and social support?

Find a good community online. They are their own community. Polyamory and polygoumous community.

Emily - just stated and if they ask she explained if not they don't touch it. They may consider it a phase. They give the same look to them when they change their hair.

Ember - does not know. Negative comments from mother. Mother is with her creativity but nothing outside of heteronormativity. Mom does not know about the triple A battery, only asexuality.

1. What strategies or practices have you found most helpful in maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships within your consensual non-monogamous lifestyle? Are there specific communication techniques, boundaries, or self-care routines that you've found particularly effective for sustaining relationships and managing any potential challenges that may arise?

Challenges: the struggle to put yourself first (putting the other three partners first and puts her own needs to the side) Emily needs to specifically make time for herself.

Ember sets the most boundaries because they need more time to adjust. (metaphor with introducing new fish to the tank).

Communication techniques: get together at the table

Ember- needs to step away to compose occasionally

Partners are attempting to incorporate self-care routines. Want to incorporate the individual, pairs, and quad.

Challenging their self-awareness and growth. There is input from all partners and can help you develop emotionally and spiritually. It nourishes the soul. They are happy there.

It is hard to hold with four people.