Is there a useful distinction between solo poly and relationship anarchy (RA)? To me it seems that they are both about rejecting normative relationship scripts and negotiating each relationship (including friendships) on its own terms.
I'm sort of casually seeing someone who identifies as Solo Poly, and I think I'm a Relationship Anarchist, or both. Either way, we both seem to want the same things and have the same approach to and ideas about relationships.
Based on my readings, it seems that solo poly has a bit more structure to it than RA. Example: a friend/lover and I have lived together off and on for the past few years depending on what makes sense for us at the time. We don't see living together or not living together as a sign that our relationship is any more or less "serious" or "intimate" or whatever. (I'm very drawn to us not living together because it gives the relationship more space to breathe, but we spend so much time together that it gets annoying travelling back and forth.) I get the sense that solo poly is more about a strict adherence to not living with any partner.
I also think maybe there's a subtle difference in focus. Solo poly, the way it is often framed, strikes me as lonely; a commitment to solitude. RA seems more about having MORE relationships. Not sure if that's just my perception. I don't like the word "solo."
I'm just wondering if it's a po-tay-to / po-tah-to situation or if there's a meaningful difference that I'm missing.
Thoughts?
I'm sort of casually seeing someone who identifies as Solo Poly, and I think I'm a Relationship Anarchist, or both. Either way, we both seem to want the same things and have the same approach to and ideas about relationships.
Based on my readings, it seems that solo poly has a bit more structure to it than RA. Example: a friend/lover and I have lived together off and on for the past few years depending on what makes sense for us at the time. We don't see living together or not living together as a sign that our relationship is any more or less "serious" or "intimate" or whatever. (I'm very drawn to us not living together because it gives the relationship more space to breathe, but we spend so much time together that it gets annoying travelling back and forth.) I get the sense that solo poly is more about a strict adherence to not living with any partner.
I also think maybe there's a subtle difference in focus. Solo poly, the way it is often framed, strikes me as lonely; a commitment to solitude. RA seems more about having MORE relationships. Not sure if that's just my perception. I don't like the word "solo."
I'm just wondering if it's a po-tay-to / po-tah-to situation or if there's a meaningful difference that I'm missing.
Thoughts?