Episode 546: When Polyamory Becomes Toxic

Polyamory is sometimes described as a more “evolved” approach to relationships, built around radical honesty, open communication, and personal autonomy. This can create the impression that polyamorous relationships are somehow immune to the problems that plague other relationships. But the reality is that non-monogamous relationships can become unhealthy, toxic, and even abusive, just like any other relationship. And that’s what we’re exploring in today’s episode.

My guest is Eve Rickert, the co-author of the The New More Than Two: A Philosophical Reimagining of the Classic Nonmonogamy Guide. She is also author of Nonmonogamy and Betrayal, curator of the More Than Two Essentials series, the founder and publisher of Thornapple Press, and the mastermind behind the science communications firm Talk Science to Me.

Some of the specific topics we cover include:

• Does abuse look different in consensually non-monogamous relationships compared to monogamous ones?
• What’s the difference between coercive control and toxic behavior?
• Can having multiple partners make it harder to recognize abuse?
• What are the warning signs that a relationship has become more harmful than healthy?
• What resources are available for people experiencing abuse in a non-monogamous relationship?

You can check out Eve’s Linktree to learn about everything she’s working on.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.