Polyamory.

Just wanting some general thoughts on polyamory. What do the members & readers think/believe about the concept of poly relationships? Is/can it be a mature perspective? Can polyamory potentially be more healthy and supportive than monogamy in the realm of human sexuality ? Where did the basic idea of sex within the boundaries of the monogamous sexual relationship originate? What are the logical reasons for choosing one of these lifestyles over the other?

The idea is to maintain a reasonable perspective of each of these two human behaviors. In other words an all out orgy would be considered out of reasonable boundaries for poly relationships. The common perspective of poly (in the context of these questions) has more to do with an open and acceptable relationship of one or more sexual partners outside the primary sexual partnership.

I am interested to gain insight from various individuals & sources on this topic. Please share your thoughts with regard to those questions, whenever you have a little time.

Thank you.

Friends of mine have this type of relationship. They each have 2 or 3 "others". This started in their marriage because the wife is Bi, and she was missing the physical contact with females. They both know the other ones "others", and there always has to be prior consent before they do anything. They call it Playtime. They don't venture beyond those extra 2 or 3 people. Sometimes one will leave, and they will find someone else, but they always meet and get to know the person. She will plan a date with someone after making sure it's ok with him, and then be on her way, and he will do the same.
They are completely happy with each other, and have a great marriage.

Personally it's not for me, but if all the adults involved are upfront and supportive to each other, then it's their business. I think it's more fair than polygamy where only the man can have more than 1 wife. It can only work if all the people involved, are willing to give up their jealous and competative feelings.

My opinion is that the poly community embraces an idealistic experience which, more often then not, fails to materialize when human emotions enter the equation. To your questions then:

Conceptually, and in its idealic state, I think that it is a wonderful lifestyle with the potential to create a platform that promotes personal and spiritual growth. In practice, it more often than not is emotionally predatory in nature and does much more harm than good. While I think that the idea of monogamy is part of our social programming courtesy of the combined force of both early church and state, I think that most people fail to take into consideration just how powerful social programming can be.

Not for me but I think it's okay if the couple is alright with it.
It is makes them happy having an open marriage then fine, I'd worry about the STDs one can get from having multiple partners though ;x Something you don't have to worry about in a successful, loyal monogamous relationship.