In the very long time I've been polyamorous (aprox 18 years), I've never yet connected in a really strong, bonded, lasting "romantic" relationship outside of the one I have with my partner of twenty years. But, nevertheles, I'm solidly polyamorous in lots of ways. For example, I "date" others occasionally.
One of the main things I've learned through living a polyamorous life is to accept and appreciate myself as someone who does not fit in well with what most people take to be normal or expected. It has taken a lot of practice, really, and I've gotten pretty good at it over time. In general, now, I trust my own inclinations more than I used to. I don't so much look to social norms and expectations as a basis for deciding how I want to live my own life. And when it comes to the moral or ethical questions, I evaluate for myself rather than adopt the expected or popular notions. But it's not as if I reject all social norms willy-nilly. Many social norms in my society are quite sensible and right. So I adhere to those and reject the ones which I find offensive or dumb.