This partner is usually abisexualwoman, though they could also be a bisexual man or anonbinaryperson.
That third party is called the unicorn, and they are often brought in for only sex.
They may be beholden to the couple and their rules, and may not have equal footing.
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At a Glance
Unicorn polyamory involves a couple adding a third person to the relationship.
What Is Polyamory?
It’s worth noting that some couples who have or seek a unicorn don’t necessarily identify as polyamorous.
What Is A Unicorn?
A unicorn is a person who is willing to join an existing couple.
What Does the Term “Unicorn Hunting” Mean?
The couple is generally a straight one, and they are usually seeking a bisexual woman.
The act of looking is called “hunting” because they’re actively seeking something with an animal label.
Examples of these includeUnicorn YardandUnicorns Rule.
Unicorn polyamory generally regards the couple as primary partners and the unicorn as the secondary partner.
In entering the couple’s relationship, the unicorn consents to be a part of their existing structure.
This means that if the couple has established rules, the unicorn must follow them.
The unicorn is specifically sleeping with or dating the couple, not a member of it.
Primarily, a throuple or triad relationship is about three people who are all primary partners.
Conversely, the term unicorn specifically implies that a single person is joining a couple.
Another major difference between unicorn poly and triads/throuples is how the group relationship moves forward once established.
The unicorn position is often seen as unfair because of the imbalance of power in the relationship.
Someone who chooses to be a unicorn might have a wonderful time and experience with every couple they join.
They might find it completely fulfilling.
However, because the situation is unbalanced, this might not be the case.
These pitfalls could potentially lead to emotional distress.
2021 Aug;50(6):2775].Arch Sex Behav.
Published online June 12, 2022:136346072211078. doi:10.1177/13634607221107821
