Polyamory is more visible than it has been in the past. People who enjoy open relationships or practice forms of ethical non-monogamy (ENM) are living and dating openly. They are also searching for dating platforms that work for polyamorous dating. That can be challenging, but there are several sites that are decidedly poly-friendly. If you’ve been searching for the right dating platform, keep reading. Here’s key info on what to look for, apps that check all the right boxes, and some tips for navigating the online dating ecosystem.
What to Look For in a Poly-Friendly Dating Site
What makes a dating app friendly for people who practice ENM? Look for these features:
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Subscribe- Profile Options – The best dating platforms let you select non-monogamy as your preferred relationship type. Many polyamorous users also appreciate being able to connect their profile with their partner(s). Also, look for interest and preference tags you can use to share more about your poly-identity
- Community – If you practice polyamory, you already know that it can be difficult to find like-minded people. Many poly-affirming dating apps offer group chatrooms, social networking, and access to local events. These features can help you build social connections in addition to romantic ones.
- Safety and Privacy – As someone who practices ENM safety, discretion and privacy are non-negotiable. Choose apps that give you privacy options, respond to safety concerns, and allow you to control your experience through options like incognito browsing and profile blocking.
Roundup – 5 Apps to Check Out
Here are five apps that have embraced the poly community and offer features that foster great online dating experiences.
1. Taimi – A Queer Dating App With Poly-Friendly Features
If you are on the lookout for polyamorous dating sites for the LGBTQ+ community, Taimi is worth your consideration. This dating platform allows users to select ‘non-monogamous’ as their preferred relationship type and to connect their user profile with up to five other members. This gives users the opportunity to be transparent about existing relationships. Taimi also offers incognito browsing, responsive moderation, and local events promotion. Give this app a try if you are queer or open to relationships with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
2. Feeld – Designed For Open And Alternative Relationships
Feeld is one of the most popular dating sites in the poly community because it was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of couples and individuals practicing various forms of ENM. New members can join Feeld and use it solo, or connect their profile with a partner. This allows people who are interested in both of you to initiate a group chat. With its constellation feature, you can expand your profile connections to up to five people. Feeld’s search feature allows you to find folks who are interested in specific relationship structures, kinks, power dynamics, and more. Just be aware that the user base may not be as active for folks who don’t live in larger cities.
3. 3Fun – A Poly App Tailored to Adventurous Couples
Couples who are interested in pursuing open relationships or bringing a third person into their partnership have quite a bit of trouble finding dating apps to accommodate them. Unfortunately, efforts to protect users from the infamous ‘unicorn hunters’ can make the most ethical couples unwelcome. 3Fun has managed to create a space that welcomes people with open relationships while still promoting the principles of ethical non-monogamy. 3Fun accommodates both couples and single accounts, offers incognito browsing, and has group chat to foster social connections.
4. Fantasy Match – A New Twist on Poly Dating And ENM
Fantasy Match is an app that promotes ENM and has features that help people new to polyamory get started. It embraces principles of mindfulness to create a supportive, poly-friendly community. Fantasy Match has a unique interface that shows cards to users that they can like or dismiss to express and explore their interests and dating preferences. Members can also go through decks of cards together to discover shared desires. Flirt access opens up members to connections with like-minded people.
5. Plura – Designed For Poly Couples And Singles
Plura was created to offer a safe, online space for people who practice ENM. Users have several options to choose from in the areas of relationship type, preferences, and desired connections. At the same time, privacy measures allow you to choose how or if your preferences are shared with others. Additionally, Plura holds community events in major cities to promote real-life connections that many polyamorous individuals find difficult to make.
Quick Online Dating Tips For Polyamorous Folks
Whether you want to try online dating as a couple or solo, these tips will help you enjoy a better experience:
- Communicate with existing partners first – Before you use dating apps as a couple or solo, you want to know what you’re pursuing, your boundaries, interests, dealbreakers, and preferences.
- Create an honest and detailed bio – Other dating app users will read your profile to determine if your interests align. Be detailed and forthcoming. Keep in mind that matching algorithms also use this information to recommend other profiles.
- Get to know the App’s community and culture – Don’t dive in right away. Spend some time exploring. Read the blog posts and other content, check out the group chatrooms, and read customer reviews. Each app creates a unique community with its own style of connecting, communicating, and even unwritten rules.
- Learn the principles of ethical non-monogamy – ENM is a framework for approaching relationships in a thoughtful, ethical manner. It promotes communication, consent, and authenticity.
Join a Growing Online Community
Polyamorous folks are experiencing more mainstream acceptance than ever. Because of this, poly-friendly online communities and dating apps are growing. If you’ve ever wanted to explore open relationships or other types of non-monogamy, start by joining an online community or dating app that aligns with your preferences.
