Polyamory

Part of why I am polyamorous is that I enjoy experiencing all kinds of connections people can make. I like short-lived relationships and commitment for life, loose and casual ones just as much as deeply connecting ones that end up intertwining my life with someone else's irreversibly.

I like not having to go through the hoops and motions of 'standard' traditional relationships with a clearly defined dating phase, 'going steady' and all that. My partner(s) and I just do what we want and what we like, whether that's a deep friendship with a romantic component, a loose kink adventure or a non-sexual but highly romantic marriage-style commitment. We just do what works for all of us.

I still remember jr high relationships and the fun experiences we had. As an adult short relationships can still be impactful. Also gives me space to experience more.

I'm in this camp, for sure. I've had mono relationships that were doomed from the start. Either it was going away to school, going back home, or in one case, my lover finally got a call back from a military recruiter. In all cases, they're wonderful memories I carry with me, including the bittersweet parts at the end. I haven't had the opportunity in a long while, but I look forward to these kinds of things.

The worst part is facing the inevitable end. In a poly context, the upside is that you may have people to fall back on for support; depending on your situation. Its nice to have people to support you, but another thing entirely when they intimately know how you operate sexually and romantically. The downside is that it will still hurt, regardless if you see it coming. Ultimately, it's another emotional situation to learn how to contend with. But with that framing, I like to think it's something that can be met with a skilled response, rather than any kind of emotional "freefall."

That said, I can see this being really bad for folks where the "cost of entry" for a new relationship isn't worth something short-term. Not everyone handles NRE all that well, sometimes to the point of hating it. Then there's folks that need accommodations (think: neurodivergence, trauma, etc) which takes a lot of time to work out with a new person. Finally, the other party might also be in those camps. I'm sure there's other situations that are "expensive" for setting up a new relationship. All-in-all, it can take a lot of work to get into a comfortable groove which makes long-term relationships far more sense.