This episode of Imperfectly Poly tackles the common and often challenging experience of a partner starting a new relationship, specifically addressing the phenomenon of New Relationship Energy (NRE).

We explore the wide range of emotions that can arise, from jealousy and insecurity to occasional excitement and curiosity, validating that all these feelings are normal. Chris shares a personal anecdote about navigating NRE in his own relationships.

The episode then provides practical strategies for handling NRE, both pre-emptively and during the phase itself. This includes the crucial role of open communication and boundary setting from the start, prioritizing dedicated one-on-one time with existing partners, and the absolute necessity of self-care.

Ultimately, we frame navigating NRE as a powerful opportunity for personal growth, fostering deeper communication, building resilience, and strengthening existing bonds within the polycule.

I'm back from a long hiatus. Its been a fun summer so far and in this episode, I'll catch you up on what's been going on in my life and how the month of June was crazy for me.

This episode of Imperfectly Poly explores the intersection of polyamory and parenthood, offering insights into raising children in a non-traditional family structure. Chris discusses the importance of honesty and open communication with children, emphasizing the need to explain polyamory in an age-appropriate way.

He highlights the importance of creating a stable and loving environment where children feel secure and supported, regardless of the number of adults involved. The episode also touches on navigating societal expectations and potential judgment, while emphasizing the benefits of an extended family network and diverse support system.

Chris shares personal anecdotes about his own experiences raising children in a polyamorous household, and concludes by reflecting on the joys and challenges of parenthood, regardless of relationship style. He also shares a heartwarming segue about spending quality time with his now grown daughter, Emma, at a college football game.

This episode of Imperfectly Poly delves into the sometimes confusing world of ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and polyamory, clarifying the relationship between these two terms. We explain that ENM is a broad umbrella term encompassing various relationship styles where all parties consent to multiple connections, including open relationships, swinging, and polyamory.

Polyamory, however, is distinguished as a specific type of ENM that emphasizes love and emotional connection in multiple relationships. It's about forming deep, meaningful bonds with more than one person, with honesty and consent at the forefront.

The episode highlights the importance of clear terminology in understanding different relationship styles and communicating effectively with partners. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to embrace the language that resonates with them and create relationships that bring joy and fulfillment, regardless of the label.

This episode of Imperfectly Poly dives headfirst into the holiday season, exploring the unique joys and challenges that come with navigating this festive time while polyamorous. Chris shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on everything from managing family dynamics and gift-giving to prioritizing time with multiple partners.

The episode emphasizes the importance of open communication with family members, even when discussing polyamory might feel awkward. It also encourages listeners to get creative with gift-giving and scheduling, focusing on personalized gestures and prioritizing quality time.

Chris highlights the opportunity to create new traditions that celebrate a unique polyamorous family structure. Ultimately, the episode reminds listeners to approach the holidays with flexibility, self-care, and an emphasis on connection and love.

In this episode of Imperfectly Poly, Chris shares his recent romantic getaway with Chloe to Belamere Suites. He highlights the importance of quality time in polyamorous relationships, emphasizing how dedicated one-on-one experiences can help strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Chris talks about the power of shared experiences, from exploring new restaurants and a cigar bar to enjoying a leisurely nature walk. He also touches on how getaways can provide a safe and private space for intimacy, both physical and emotional.

Ultimately, Chris encourages listeners, whether polyamorous or monogamous, to invest in their relationships by planning dedicated time away with their partners. He emphasizes that these getaways don't need to be extravagant and that even simple trips can do wonders for fostering connection and love.

In this episode of Imperfectly Poly, we tackle the sometimes intimidating but ultimately rewarding topic of therapy. We dive into how therapy can help unpack emotional baggage, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and gain fresh perspectives - not just for polyamorous folks, but for everyone.

We specifically explore how therapy can benefit those navigating the unique challenges of polyamory, such as jealousy, communication breakdowns, and societal stigma. Chris shares personal experiences of how therapy has helped him manage his own anxieties and build stronger connections with his partners.

We challenge the stigma surrounding therapy and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength. We conclude by encouraging listeners to consider therapy as a valuable resource for personal growth and building healthier relationships, regardless of relationship style.

In this episode, we delve into the often-challenging act of asking for help when we're feeling down. We explore the common barriers that hold us back from reaching out, from fear of vulnerability to societal expectations. Discover the power of connection and vulnerability, and how allowing others to help us can deepen our relationships and create a ripple effect of compassion. We provide practical tips for asking for and accepting help, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and reciprocity. Finally, we celebrate the transformative power of community and encourage you to build a supportive network around you. Join us as we break down the stigma surrounding seeking support and learn to embrace the strength that comes from letting others lift us up.