Polyamory in the 21st Century

Anapol (Polyamory: The New Love Without Limits) has taught for 25 years at the university level and has been a relationship coach, seminar leader, and participant observer. Her simplest explanation of polyamory is that it is nonmonogamy, it can define relationships among adults that may not be sexual and may include a shared residence or family, and it pertains to both sexes. She suggests that "the form of the relationship is less important than the underlying values," which consist of allowing real love to seek its most appropriate expression. She takes pains to distinguish this movement from swinging or open marriages. Various chapters deal with the history of human bonding, jealousy that may arise in these relationships, polyamory in other world cultures, children issues, and the movement's pros and cons. In a quest for credibility, she tosses out names of polyamorous people who may have been members in good standing of mainline churches. Figures, e.g., Thomas Moore, are quoted out of context to support her theses. While her arguments are clearly written, many might take issue with her conclusions.