A number of people have heard about swingers and the swinging lifestyle, but fewer people are aware of polyamory and what it actually means. They are indeed two completely different lifestyles and with a better understanding, you know how different it is to swing.
Here we will take a look at some of the key differences between the two lifestyle so you can make an informed decision if this is something you may be tempted to try or avoid.
Swinging is much more than just recreational sex. The lifestyle is about forming new bonds through friendships as well as having different partners in a swapping type setting whether it’s at home, a swinger club party, or other lifestyle-related events. This type of relationship is often referred to by some people as having a “Friends with benefits” (FWB) as oppose to polyamory that is more focused on the love and relationship of all parties involved share. It is more akin to having a number of boyfriends or girlfriends where sex is only a small part of the relationship.
Swinger couples are committed to each other and are still seen as being in a monogamous relationship whereas polyamory relationship, they are not. Although both lifestyles may be viewed as open relationships, the swinging lifestyle is really based around the actual couple whereas polyamory is more about individual relationships. Dates occur or sex happens away from the other partners rather than beside them where they know everything that is going on at all times.
There is also a difference in the length of time that each encounter lasts. Swingers engage in short term relationships, while polyamorous people tend to engage in normal more long term relationships. It is almost identical to the one they currently have with their main partner. People in the swinging lifestyle tend to be more discreet whilst polyamorous people want it to be out in the open. Polyamorous people will engage in normal everyday activities with their other lover whenever possible.
Clearly, there are aspects of both relationships that overlap, so you cannot state that a certain number of rules only apply to one kind of lifestyle. Some people in poly relationships may sometimes swing with their main partner, although this is more unusual.
It can be quite common for people to move from one to the other at various times depending upon the people they come across during their lives. However, every partner requires a firm understanding between all parties involved as to where their own individual boundaries lie. It is important to make those boundaries clear or the relationship can be in danger of failing.
You will, therefore, see that they are not the same things and the differences that exist between them are indeed extremely important to know and understand. Yes, they both require a lot of trust, honesty, and openness, but perhaps now you will see why some become swingers whilst others prefer a different kind of lifestyle instead.