Review: “polywise: A Deeper Dive in Navigating Open Relationships” By Jessica Fern with David Cooley
Between this book and her previous book, polysecure, I have become a big fan of Jessica Fern's work. And of the two, in my opinion, polywise is the superior book, offering easy-to-digest breakdowns of some of the root causes of the problems many of us suffer through when opening up our relationships and the advice and frameworks needed to navigate them.
What Do I Do if My Partner Asks for an Open Relationship?
Wanting to explore polyamory is not a sign your partner is unhappy with you, but it could be beneficial (even if you don’t try it)
What do you do When Your Partner Goes Through a Breakup?
Polyamorous breakups are difficult. Things are going to change, but you have to remember this is not about you.
How to Handle Breakups in Polyamory
Being polyamorous doesn’t mean breakups don’t hurt (or that polyamory doesn’t work).
Let’s Talk About Platonic Romance
I’ve long been a proponent of platonic romance. The only reason people find it strange is because of a lack of understanding and education about relationships and the puritanical idea that romance and sex must be reserved for a single person.
So, let’s talk about platonic romance.
What is “Polybombing”?
There is a difference between "polybombing" and "dropping the poly bomb", and it's important to know which is which.
Polyamory Does Not Equal Consent
If you have ever had a partner use an argument along the lines of "Well, you agreed to an open relationship, so what I did was fine," then they are not thinking about you as a person but as a tool to fulfil their needs and fantasies.
They are not looking at you as a human being but as an object to be manipulated and used.
How to Deal With Jealousy in Polyamory
What’s the trick to dealing with jealousy in polyamory? How do we go about combatting that nasty feeling that holds us back from experiencing the joys of compersion?
What is Parallel Polyamory?
While some people love the idea of combining their polycules into one big happy family (often known as Kitchen Table Polyamory), others prefer to keep each relationship as a separate entity where their partners know about each other but have no desire to spend time together as a unit. This is called "Parallel Polyamory".
Dating a Couple vs Being in a Triad
Joining a couple in their bed is one thing. Dating a couple is something else. And joining them in a Triad is a whole other thing entirely! And if you’re not clear on the differences, you’re putting yourself at risk of heartbreak.
How to Find Compersion in Polyamory
Compersion in polyamory may be difficult, but it is never impossible. And, if you do the work and open yourself to the idea, then compersion may appear when you least expect it.
Is it Okay to Keep Being Polyamorous a Secret?
Is it okay to keep being polyamorous a secret?
Everyone gets to choose how open they are. And unfortunately, sometimes people have no choice but to hide their polyamory from the world for their own safety.
Is Polyamory Cheating?
It's a question many of us find distasteful, so often do we hear it. But as much as we hate hearing it, it can't be denied it's an understandable mistake. So let’s take a look at it, shall we?
Dealing with Jealousy in Polyamory
I’ll let you into a little secret. Jealousy doesn’t have to rule your life. While we might not be able to avoid it, there’s a trick you can learn to dismantle the power it has over you.
(Another) 10 Words You Should Know Coming Into Polyamory
Another delve into the language of ethical non-monogamy.
How To Make Polyamory Work for You When Things Get Hard
Ethical non-monogamy isn't a homogeneous blob. When you decide to move beyond monogamy, you don't simply take off one suit and put on another. And herein lies the problem. It's a fundamental misunderstanding of what ethical non-monogamy is.
So I want to talk about something I call The Polyamory Sweetshop.
How Do I Ask Out My Friend’s Girlfriend?
While it’s not a deal-breaker in polyamory, can you suppose ask out your friend's girlfriend when that friend is right there?
Do I Have To Make Friends With My Metamour?
How close should you be with your partner’s other partner?
6 Relationship Models You Need to Know
There is no “right” way to create a polyamorous relationship, so let explore some of the many different options available.