Polyfidelity
Polyfidelity is a closed polyamorous group where partners restrict sexual and romantic activity exclusively to members within their defined relationship, creating a self-contained, multi-partner family unit.
Polyfidelity is a specific form of consensual non-monogamy where a closed group of partners restricts all sexual and romantic activity exclusively to members within their defined relationship. Emerging from polyamory communities, it emphasizes high emotional commitment and group integrity while rejecting external involvement. Unlike open relationships, polyfidelity is defined by its intentional exclusivity to the group, creating a self-contained, multi-partner family unit.
What this means in real life
Three people—Alex, Jordan, and Casey—live together and are all romantically and sexually involved with each other. They've agreed that none of them will pursue relationships outside their triad, treating it as a committed unit similar to a traditional marriage, just with three people.
What it isn’t
It is not the same as an open relationship, where partners may have casual encounters outside the primary couple. Polyfidelity requires commitment and fidelity within the group itself, not freedom to date anyone.
Commonly misused online
Social media often conflates polyfidelity with polyamory generally, or uses it to describe any non-monogamous setup. In reality, polyfidelity is a specific structure emphasizing commitment within a closed group.