What is a Throuple? The Three-Way Relationship, Explained
The "throuple" has been a hot topic since Una Healy, Sian Osborne and David Haye were rumoured to be in a relationship at the beginning of the year. But what exactly is it, what are the rules, and how does it work? Let's dive right in and answer all of your questions about the elusive throuple.
What is a throuple?
As you may have guessed, a throuple is a romantic or sexual relationship between three people. Unlike traditional relationships between two people, it involves three partners in a committed relationship. The relationship can take many different forms, and each throuple has their own set of rules and expectations. Any combination of genders can make up a throuple. The relationship may be open or closed depending on the agreement between the partners.
What are the throuple rules?
The rules in a throuple relationship vary depending on the preferences and needs of the people involved. A throuple may establish some general rules, including:
- Open communication: Partners should communicate openly and honestly with each other about their feelings, needs, and boundaries. It's important to establish clear communication channels and to listen actively to each other.
- Honesty about other relationships: The partners in the throuple should be honest about any romantic relationships they are involved in and discuss how those relationships may affect the throuple relationship.
- Safe sex: Throuple partners should discuss and agree on safe sex practices. This includes the use of condoms, regular STI testing or other forms of protection.
How does a throuple work?
In a throuple relationship, all three partners are committed to each other and share a mutual romantic and/or sexual attraction. This can take many forms, depending on the relationship dynamic and individual preferences of each partner. Some throuples may live together as a family unit, while others may maintain separate households.
Communication is a key aspect of a successful throuple relationship. All partners should feel comfortable expressing their feelings and should be open to listening to each other. This can involve regular check-ins to discuss the state of the relationship and any issues that may arise.
Trust and honesty are also important in throuple relationships. All partners should actively communicate their feelings and intentions while demonstrating a commitment to building a strong, healthy relationship together. This can involve establishing rules and boundaries that work for all partners, and being respectful of each other's needs and feelings.
Throuple relationships can be challenging, but they can also be incredibly rewarding for all people involved. The key is to establish clear communication, mutual trust and respect, and a commitment to building a strong, healthy relationship together.
Is a throuple different than poly?
Throuple and polyamorous relationships are similar in that they both involve romantic or sexual relationships between more than two people. However, a polyamorous relationship can involve any number of partners. The relationship dynamic can vary depending on the people involved. In some polyamorous relationships, all partners may be considered equal, while others may have a primary relationship and involve other people only for sex.
In general, throuple relationships tend to be more exclusive than poly relationships. While a throuple may be open to exploring new relationships with other people, they are typically committed to each other as a unit. Polyamorous relationships are often non-monogamous relationships. This is also referred to as an open relationship, where you can have sex with different partners at the same time.
Thinking of being in a throuple?
If you are thinking of entering into a throuple relationship or introducing a third person into your own, here are some things you may want to consider:
- Jealousy: Jealousy can be an issue in any relationship, but it may be more likely to arise in a throuple where there are multiple partners. Make sure to discuss how you will handle jealousy and what boundaries you may need to put in place to avoid it.
- Emotional support: Being in a three-person relationship can be emotionally complex and may require a lot of emotional support. Make sure that you and your partners are able to support each other through the ups and downs of the relationship.
- Social acceptance: Society may not yet be fully accepting of throuples, and this may come with its own challenges. Be prepared to face potential discrimination or disapproval from others.
- Health and safety: Make sure to discuss and prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved in the throuple. If you are having sex with more than one person you should be taking regular STI tests (you can buy a home STI test through iPlaySafe here) and you may want to consider other safe sex practices such as using condoms.
As with any traditional relationship structure, being part of a throuple can be great! Three-way relationships can be exciting and fulfilling, but not everyone is comfortable with the idea. Do what's right for you, and be open-minded about other peoples' decisions on what's right for them. Whatever you decide, just do it safely, and have fun!
