The latest buzzword on the tip of everyone’s tongue is ‘symbiosexuality.’ Terms like ‘symbiosexuals,’ 'polyamorous,’ and ‘closed V’ are currently trending and creating a buzz on social media platforms. Relationships and gender identities can never be put into boxes. Previously, you may have heard of polyamory, monogamous relationships, polyandry, open relationships and so on and so forth. Now, a new term, symbiosexual, that has been added to this list is gaining momentum online. It has everyone talking about it. So, what exactly is symbiosexuality? In a traditional relationship, people tend to be attracted to an individual. However, this relatively new term involves being attracted to the energy or bond that is shared between people in relationships rather than being attracted to individuals themselves. This latest phenomenon is challenging how researchers and experts look at traditional human desires and attractions. Let’s understand more about it. Symbiosexuals, a New Form of Threesome? What Is Symbiosexuality? Emerging Trend of Sexual Attraction to Established Couples Is Heating Up the Relationship Dynamics.

What Is Symbiosexuality?

Researchers who conducted a study on relationships discovered a new phenomenon called as Symbiosexuality. In traditional relationships, people tend to focus on the individual. However, according to the study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour, it reveals that symbiosexuals do not simply focus on an individual. Instead, they are attracted to the bond, power, love, energy and multidimensionality that is shared between people in relationships.

Symbiosexuals focus on the ‘whole’ in a relationship, which according to them is considered to be better than the sum of its parts. In essence, they are romantically attracted to or are ‘in love’ with the energy and love that is shared between a preexisting couple. The study further reveals that symbiosexuality has negative connotations and symbiosexuals are stigmatised by both non-monogamous as well as monogamous communities, as they tend to get involved in sexual activity for the feelings of love and care but do not take part in other aspects of the relationship.

What Is Polyamory?

Human relationships and gender identities are constantly evolving. Apart from symbiosexuals, polyamorous relationships have long fascinated couples. It is easy to get confused between symbiosexuals and polyamorous relationships. However, there is a difference between them. So, what exactly is a polyamorous relationship? Polyamorous is when a person gets romantically, sexually or consensually involved with multiple partners at the same time.

Unlike in monogamy, where partners commit to one-on-one relationships, polyamory accepts having multiple loving relations, with everyone involved being aware of it. People involved in polyamory draw clear boundaries, talk openly and communicate honestly to make the relationships work. This allows people to explore relationships beyond the traditional monogamous relationships. A type of polyamorous relationship is the ‘Closed V’ relationship. Going Poly Review: DocuBay's V-Day Offering is a Bold and Engaging Insight Into Polyamory (LatestLY Exclusive).

What Is Closed V Relationship?

A closed V relationship is a type of polyamorous relationship where one person is involved with two people called ‘the arms.’ However, these two people are not romantically linked or involved with each other. Hence the relationship forms a ‘V.’ In a closed V relationship, the partners agree to not pursue any romantic partner outside the V structure. This creates a more closed-knit dynamic between the partners. Just like in polyamory, in closed V as well, the partners communicate and talk openly to maintain harmony and make the relationship work.

Constantly evolving relationship dynamics and gender identities are inspiring us to rethink and reevaluate the way we look at and deal with relationships and gender identities. As researchers and experts continue to evaluate newer concepts, it will be interesting to see how they influence our understanding of relationships.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2024 10:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).