Because we mate for pleasure as well as for procreation, polyamory feeds our hedonistic desires. From an anthropological point of view, though, it makes more instinctual sense for males to want to control individual female access to sex in order to stifle competition, all the while spreading himself as far and wide as possible. Meanwhile, females tend to gravitate toward the most successful males (the definition of success being very fluid and dependent upon culture) but do not necessarily need those same men to be the providers. Successful men who have many suitors are not always the most reliable or dependable.

When you think about these factors carefully enough, you can see they explain everything about how sex works in our society, including all the apparent chaos.

I'm typical male, so yes, I have to admit that deep down I would prefer to mate with as many women as I am capable of attracting...BUT reproductive success in our society dictates I settle down with one or two and stay faithful. It's a sufficient, satisfactory compromise.

Many of us have already experienced a polyamorous relationship, just not on our part.

Yes, with the right people.

I got a match on Tinder telling me about her boyfriend. I asked her why she swiped right if she has a boyfriend. She said she was polymourus and her boyfriend approved of me also. We were soon unmatched. No thank you.

I absolutely would. I'm not attracted to women, but I could share a man, I do actually, but I'm the secret other woman, I would love for him to be able to tell her about me but she would end their marriage if she ever found out. I had my heart broken (15 year marriage) a couple years ago and I learned about myself that I still have lots of love to give, what I lost was my faith in forever love. In possessive love. I long to be able to love who want without anyone trying to own anyone and without any lies.

Several in my younger years. I don't know how "amorous" it was... it was more like the 70's free love, hippie stuff... it was all good. One married couple and I for a couple years. But it goes way back to childhood, but that is a completely different topic.

Aw hell, I'll try anything once!

I wouldn't do it. But it is one of those times I can't see myself there... I would never be in a situation where that kind of relationship could work. I respect and I don't mind at all people doing it.

It wasn't what it's cracked up to be.

Your survey is not exhaustive (adjusts glasses). Jokes!

I feel like I would get too paranoid and would constantly be thinking about how I rank among the other partners.

To each their own.

Tried it when younger, thought it was the solution to a few things. Felt radical and honest. But yea, na. Now I think monogamy is a nice idea, if it works for a couple. Real nice. Don't mind abstinence either. Be honest with yourself and your partner. But that does NOT include telling your partner every (or any!) detail of an erotic dream you just had, featuring someone other than your partner.

I am good with them. As long as everyone in the relationship is fine with it. Also all members know about each other and agree to few rules. I been in one for short time.

I'm not quite sure what a polyamorus relationship is -I should probably Google it before commenting but why change the habit of a lifetime
As I don't even have one relationship at the moment it seems unlikely that I would get involved with more than one....
Chance would be a fine thing -as we say around these parts

I have many times been in polyamorous relationships - unknowingly and involuntary. I don't know what it would be like to do it intentionally.

Yes I would how ever the head of the family should be able to take care of and have authority over the family with out making everyone feel like slaves

I for one would welcome such an arrangement if the opportunity were to arise. Unfortunately, I have yet to find even one that I could maintain a lasting relationship with that wasn't already committed to a monogamous relationship. (Which is why I voted number 3, although I don't think 'satisfaction' had anything to do with it)

I call that being single and not wanting to start a family or needing to be co-dependent in any way. What would it matter if two people totally have trust between each other and spend enough quality time together that suits the other or others. They used to call that swingers. As humans we are perfectly capable of form deep emotional bonds for the long or short term with one or more persons - which can constitute and extended family. It's not always about sexual fidelity. I think in the future the roles of families will have radically changed. The US is 50 years behind European families, probably because of the influence of religion on culture and it's identity.

The risk of contracting a std or genital wart are high enough why compound the risk? The other factor is jealousness of you attention will ultimately create tension.

It's weird how I have this situation. In my last two previous relationship, I was being used and it was expensive. So, I put it out to the universe, I want to be in total control of my next relationship. And it happened... I got into a relationship with a submissive. She told me, she has to be monogamous and I get to do whatever I want. Ok, great! But I noticed she tried to subtly manipulate/control me into monogamous relationship. I would have to order her to find me another girl and I know she would do it, but I'm not ready for that level of drama in my life.