Is It Right for You?
ljubaphoto/iStock/Getty Images
Relationship anarchy is the concept of applying anarchist principles to romantic relationships.
The term was initially used at the OpenCon convention in 2010.
ljubaphoto/iStock/Getty Images
How It Works
Relationship anarchy involves a few key principles.
They are based on Nordgren’s manifesto.
Lack of Hierarchy
One of the basic tenets of relationship anarchy is that it isn’t hierarchical.
In apolyamorousornon-monogamousrelationship, people often have a primary partner.
However, in relationship anarchy there isn’t hierarchy.
You might choose to call someone a partner or a lover, or you might not.
Love is a choice, not something one person is entitled to from another.
There is work to be done to unravel what society has taught us aboutheteronormativityand heterosexism, too.
Relationship anarchy functions outside of that framework.
Love for one person does not reduce the amount love available for another.
The people in a relationship decide what is right for it and that isn’t.
to become exclusive with someone, to marry them, etc.).
What would you discover without the limitations of duties, demands, and disappointments?
Spend time exploring your unique connection together and stay open to what may unfold.
Listen and share with mutual respect, curiosity, and care.
If all parties agree, then the item can included in the relationship:
Polyamory vs.
Relationship Anarchy
Polyamory and relationship anarchy may sound similar, and sometimes, they are.
Polyamory is the practice of having more than one partner.
If a polyamorous relationship is hierarchical, it isn’t anarchy.
A relationship anarchist can be monogamous, polyamorous, or without a label.
Someone who practices it might enjoy only being with one partner at a time, which we consider monogamy.
That may involve one person, many, or none, at any given time.
Or do they sound different from your own set of morals and boundaries?
Relationship anarchy is ideal for people who want their relational life to be centered around freedom and authenticity.
One book on the topic so that you could do more research isRelationship Anarchy: occupy Intimacy!.
The website Relationship-Anarchy.com also hasa resource page.
“The short instructional manifesto for relationship anarchy”, Andie’s Log, July 6, 2012
