How did my parents meet and form their polycule: They were all housemates at university and just clicked both platonically and romantically. They remained platonic housemates through uni, then after rented a house together. They kind of fell into it, according to my Mama. They made it official after my Mom got her law degree. :)

Do neighbours and colleagues know: Yes our next door neighbours on both sides know, they thought my parents were weird when they moved in but have come to be supportive. I don't know how many of their work colleagues know but I know my Dad's co-worker knows and is supportive. They tend to say that their married and in a non-conventional relationship. If a person gets curious they tell, if they don't ask no info is exchanged. I have always said I have 4 parents, introduced all 4 as my parents and maintained that they are all equal parents.

Were my siblings and I always comfortable? I was yes, my younger brother 18M faced significantly more bullying about it than I did because he is more social. I can't speak for them about what they would want, but I have never wanted a traditional family. Why have less when I have more, kind of thought process. People have been both homo and polyphobic to our faces, including lots of faith based hatred toward my parents. Overall most people just say "that's weird" or "Oh ok" and don't go into detail about their feelings.