How do you feel about polyamory? Author shares her experience of an open relationship

Author Molly Roden Winter appeared on Woman's Hour to discuss her experiences with polyamory, or being in an open marriage.

The practice of having multiple romantic or sexual relationships at the same time isn't new, but has recently come to prominence after writer Lindy West reignited the debate surrounding it with her new book, Adult Braces.

After the internet went a little wild over Lindy's polyamorous confessions, Molly Roden Winter joined Woman's Hour host Anita Rani to talk about the positives of opening up a marriage - her understanding of love has been completely redefined by having a number of partners outside her main union.

"You think love is so finite," Molly begins, adding, "If we were to say, 'You can only have one child because it's impossible to love a second child,' the world would be up in arms."

"We say that about partners as if romantic love is somehow different," she continues.

Revealing how her polyamorous relationship works, Molly explains how the boundaries have evolved over time.

"The rules at the beginning were to prevent falling in love with someone else," she shares, adding, "We didn't want any intimacy - no two dates in one week, no sleepovers, all so that we wouldn't fall in love."

Revealing how her polyamorous marriage works now, Molly says, "Our current role is just to support each other in whatever comes up."

In response to Anita asking what the "marriage" to her husband actually brings, Molly shares, "We have children together, we live together, we are monogamous."

"I have one husband, we share a home, we share a family and we share our finances, and we're always there for each other."

"So marriage is still marriage to me, and my other relationships are very deep, loving, wonderful friendships that include sexual exploration."

Unsurprisingly, when Molly's segment was shared to Instagram, it garnered a lot of attention.

Many women simply suggested they wouldn't have the time or energy for multiple partners, while others wondered how those in open relationships managed their jealousy.

One commenter made a valid point by writing, "If it works for you and you’re happy, then great. I can see the appeal of having more freedom within a domestic set up."

"However, the majority of open relationships I’ve personally witnessed are one man and two miserable women who are willing to cater to his ego. If you truly love and respect your partner, it is not a difficult ask to remain faithful to them."

Another shared their own positive experience of polyamory, writing, "It works for me and I love it. I do feel monogamy is a social construct, it works for some people and not for others. We should all have the freedom to do what feels right for each of us, as long as it's ethical."

However, one person was quite taken aback by the concept. They shared, "I listened to this with despair. Those promoting this way of living are self-deceiving, if they think it's not damaging to themselves and their families. It sets a dreadful example of what love and commitment looks like."