More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory (More Than Two Essentials) Paperback – September 1, 2014

"More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of polyamory. Written by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert, this book aims to provide practical advice, insights, and tools to help individuals navigate the challenges and complexities of ethical non-monogamous relationships. The authors draw from their personal experiences and expertise, making it a well-rounded guide for both newcomers and those already familiar with polyamory.Chapter Overview:Defining Polyamory: The book starts with a clear and inclusive definition of polyamory, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the fundamental principles of ethical non-monogamy.Communication and Consent: This chapter emphasizes the importance of open, honest, and compassionate communication in polyamorous relationships. It offers practical strategies for effective communication, negotiating boundaries, and obtaining enthusiastic consent.Jealousy and Insecurity: One of the most challenging aspects of polyamory is dealing with jealousy and insecurity. The authors provide a deep understanding of these emotions and offer strategies for managing and transforming them into opportunities for personal growth and relationship strengthening.Time Management and Prioritization: With multiple partners, time management becomes crucial. This chapter offers insightful advice on managing schedules, setting priorities, and finding balance in relationships, work, and personal life.Relationship Negotiation: Building and maintaining healthy polyamorous relationships require ongoing negotiation. The book provides tools and frameworks for negotiating agreements, addressing conflicts, and navigating power dynamics within relationships.Solo Polyamory and Relationship Anarchy: The authors discuss different relationship styles, including solo polyamory and relationship anarchy, offering guidance on how to embrace these approaches and create fulfilling connections.Coming Out as Polyamorous: For individuals considering coming out about their polyamorous lifestyle, this chapter provides guidance on the process, dealing with societal biases, and finding support within their communities.Polyamory and Parenting: This chapter explores the intersection of polyamory and parenting, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for individuals who have children or are considering having children within a polyamorous context.Building and Nurturing a Network: The authors emphasize the importance of building a supportive community of friends, partners, and allies. They provide guidance on finding like-minded individuals, creating chosen families, and developing a network of emotional support.Moving Forward: The final chapter offers practical advice on personal growth, self-reflection, and evolving within polyamorous relationships. It encourages readers to continue learning, adapting, and striving for ethical and fulfilling connections.Key Strengths:Comprehensive and Practical: "More Than Two" covers a wide range of topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of polyamory and its various nuances. The authors offer practical advice, tools, and exercises that readers can immediately implement in their own relationships.Empathy and Personal Experiences: Veaux and Rickert draw from their personal experiences, sharing anecdotes and case studies that make the book relatable and engaging. Their empathetic approach fosters a sense of understanding and validation for readers who may be navigating similar situations.Inclusivity and Diversity: The book embraces diversity and inclusivity by acknowledging different relationship structures, sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. This inclusivity makes it accessible and relevant to a wide audience.Well-Structured and Organized: Each chapter is well-structured, with clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points that aid comprehension and facilitate easy reference. The book's organization allows readers to focus on

More than two review:Thousands of questions I never would have thought to ask about myself or others! Incredible.I have finally set healthy boundaries for myself after 10 years of trying to figure it out!I just finished it in 5 days, and to be honest I'm disappointed that it's over!I liked the kindle version since it lets me highlight, copy, and paste making my note taking and self discovery super simple!Someone in our group asked about its appropriateness for teens: my response is this:Well. That depends. The book is excellent as far as relationships of all kinds go!!! It's not overly sexual or explicit at all, very tasteful. It is of course, designed to explain the how tos of poly living, but also discusses monogamy, comparing the two often without coercion. It's much more focused on in depth discussions of how to/how it to have healthy relationships with yourself and others than on sex. It focuses on compassion and integrity.I come from a very Christian back ground, I love my Jesus! But this book goes over love in ways that I have never learned and feel are highly intelligent and accurate as far as how to love yourself, and others!You could absolutley read it yourself as a way to gain some amazing insights on teaching kids about healthy love, and for older teens, I feel that it is absolutely appropriate and educational in ways that are thought provoking and prompt personal growth in countless positive ways, including information regarding making personal choices that affect sexual health and safety.

Part how-to, part "how we did it," this "Bible" of polyamory covers what it is, and what it's not. (Hint: polyamory isn't all, or even primarily, about the sexytimes, it's about loving others. And a whole lot of communicating.)There are many, many relationship tips, that are applicable to people who are monogamous as well.Because even if you only identify as having one romantic partner (at a time), aren't there others in your close intimate circle: close friends, siblings, coworkers, that you love?But if you open your heart and your life to more than one romantic partner, it gets complicated. You have to not only negotiate among your partners, but among social expectations. It's a little odd, how serial monogamy is socially accepted, how even cheating often gets a wink and a nod, but openly saying you are seeking to practice ethical non-monogamy, and people often look askance.This book needs a place on the bookshelf of anyone who's already opened a relationship to "more Than Two," or those contemplating such a move, as it will bring up aspects and considerations you may not have considered. It's also a great read for those who love someone - a son, daughter, sibling, friend - who's adopted this lifestyle. Very well written, organized well, it's a smooth (if long) read.