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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Eleanor Gordon-Smith

Should I leave my polyamorous relationship if I want to start a family?

Four partially draped classical figures dance in a circle in a landscape with cherubs above
‘The first requirement of reason is coherence. He thinks honesty demands that he can’t promise to be with you for ever. So why does it “kill him” when you express doubts?’ Painting: Bacchanal by Circle of Jan Boeckhorst. Photograph: Alamy

I have been in a wonderful relationship for six years. We are polyamorous and recently we have been thinking about marrying and starting a family. I think this shift should include stricter boundaries and safeguards, as carrying a child will be disproportionately taxing for me and I expect I won’t want to feel vulnerable or jealous. I also think children necessarily bring about changes in lifestyle, and I would be happy to put the promiscuity on pause. At the very least, I’d like him to steer clear of romantic connections; I’m much more open about him simply having sexual liaisons or flirting.

He will not commit to this, on philosophical grounds. He says I am his soulmate, but also that there can be many soulmates and that “nobody can promise anything for ever”. When I suggest this means we should not be primary partners so that I may pursue those milestones with someone who can give me the reassurances I need, he disagrees very strongly and asks me not to decide on the fate of our relationship without him.

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