Relational sovereignty is a relational-framework that prioritizes an individual’s primary relationship with themselves as the basis for forming healthy connections with others. The concept draws...
All memos tagged #consensual-non-monogamy-lexicon
A comprehensive lexicon of terminology, frameworks, and relationship structures used in consensual non-monogamy and related ethical relationship practices.
The “BDSMR” checklist—an acronym for 'Boundaries, Desires, STDs, Meaning, Relationships—to ensure that you’re honoring yourself, your partner, and both of your souls in any sexual exchange. BDSMR...
A comet partner, or satellite partner, in the context of Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) is a romantic partner that lives in another city, state, or country and, thus, is someone you connect with...
RADAR is a structured communication framework originally developed by the creators of the Multiamory podcast to support regular, intentional check-ins in romantic relationships. The acronym stands...
Glossary Anchor Partner BDSMR Comet Partner Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) Couple Privilege DIBS dominant dominatrix Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) Hierarchical Polyamory Kitchen Table Polyamory Metamour...
Contexts consensual-non-monogamy-lexicon (See: Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) Glossary)
DIBS is an acronym for Desire, Intention, Boundaries, and Sexuality/STI, a conversational framework similar to BDSMR which is often used in Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM). Contexts...
An anchor partner, within the context of polyamory, refers to a significant relationship that provides emotional stability, logistical grounding, or a sense of continuity amid a dynamic network of...
In BDSM culture, a play party is a social event in which attendees engage in BDSM activities and socialize with like-minded people. Generally there is an area for drinking and socializing, an area...
A primary partner, in the context of polyamory, refers to an individual with whom a person maintains a central or most significant romantic and/or sexual relationship. This designation often reflects...
The One Penis Policy (OPP) is a restrictive agreement in non-monogamous relationships—most commonly involving a heterosexual male and bisexual female couple—where the woman is permitted to pursue...
De-escalation in relationships refers to intentionally shifting a connection into a less entangled or intense form—such as moving from romantic partners to friends, or from nesting partners to...
Hierarchical polyamory is a form of Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) in which individuals prioritize certain romantic or sexual relationships above others, often distinguishing between “primary,”...
Kitchen table polyamory is a style of Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) in which all partners—including Metamours (partners of partners)—engage in friendly, communal, or familial interactions. This...
A metamour is the partner of one’s partner in the context of polyamory, with whom one does not share a direct romantic or sexual relationship. The term reflects the relational structure common in...
Parallel polyamory is a style of Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) in which an individual maintains multiple romantic or sexual relationships that exist independently of one another, with little to no...
Unicorn hunting is the pejorative term used within the polyamory community to describe a couple, typically a heterosexual man and bisexual woman, actively seeking a "third" partner—usually a bisexual...
Couple privilege refers to the unearned social, structural, and emotional advantages granted to established dyads—typically those who are married or cohabitating—over other forms of intimate...
Veto power is a mechanism in hierarchical non-monogamy that grants an established partner the authority to unilaterally terminate or restrict their partner's other relationships. Often stipulated as...
Non-hierarchical polyamory is a relationship structure that rejects the classification of partners into "primary" or "secondary" roles, aiming to ensure that no single romantic connection holds...
