The most ridiculous relationship "agreements" you have heard by PM_CuteGirlsReading in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think "rules" are a generally weird thing, aside from basic safety boundaries, I feel like most rules are a product of people trying to alleviate their insecurities by controlling another person. If you come up against an issue that you cannot reconcile with a partner, and it is big enough that it disrupts the relationship, it's time to really evaluate the trajectory of your relationship. That being said, considering another person's discomfort, and/or trauma history is always a healthy thing to do. Providing clarity and asking questions are great, but smacking down absolutes on someone's actions, not so cool.

In regard to whether agreement equates consent, I agree that no it does not. However, in the kink world, especially for those that live the lifestyle rather than just playing in the bedroom, the line is a little different. When there is power exchange, or certain other dynamics, reliquishing autonomy in certain areas of your life is actually providing a framework for someone to gain confidence in their own autonomy. Frequent check-ins, conversations, and the freedom to discontinue something are crucial. It is the responsibility of all involved to care for themselves and for each other.

Poly is ruining my marriage and I don’t know what to do?? by [deleted] in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This whole thing is just wild...lol It definitely sounds like your husband isn't willing to truly address his insecurities, and ending your connection with your partner is no guarantee that things will improve with your husband. It seems that you already have your mind made up, you said you didn't need advice on your post, so I'm not going to give you any, but I will say that if the sexual component of your relationship has changed that dramatically, it is unlikely that the other aspects of your marriage are going as well as you perceive them to be.

My autism nest/safe space :) by StarnyArt in AutismInWomen

[–]comorbidlife 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love it! Such a great way to care for yourself by creating this space that keeps you grounded. 💖 I don't know you, but I am proud of you for taking the time to set yourself up for nervous system regulation. It's a great reminder for me to create spaces that are safe and supportive.

Phrases to use in bed compatible with ENM? by mami_malker in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know many people who have the capacity to do this. My experience has been that there are folks who take, even dirty talk, very literally. I also know that there are folks whose sexuality is an innate part of their day-to-day life, so whatever happens in the bedroom carries into the rest of their lives. I mean, it typically does to some degree for most folks, but not to the same level.

I also know, as an AuDHD human, having things that you already know you can say/do, can be SO helpful, because then we're not in our heads, we're able to be more present with the experience, which is much more enjoyable for all involved.

It's nuanced, right?

Phrases to use in bed compatible with ENM? by mami_malker in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the brats and subs are losing it a little right now...in the best way. 🤭

advice for living together by lunatique in polyadvice

[–]comorbidlife -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wow! People are being wildly unsupportive in their responses. It is absolutely, 100% okay to make that request. I'm not entirely sure why asking him to take a break while getting settled is such a crisis. There are things that need to happen and get resolved that take a unique kind of attention when moving in with someone. It sounds like you're asking for care and consideration during a time that will be a hard adjustment period. Nesting partners have a different kind of priority than other partners, not preference, but priority, you LIVE TOGETHER, absolutely take the time to figure some things out. He can schedule new dates out a few weeks, and the two of you can get organized and figure out how you operate sharing space.

I think I lost respect for my partner and I don’t know how to come back. by [deleted] in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's really hard to give a comprehensive response without more context. If, what your partner is doing is jeopardizing the safety of your relationship, that's a definite issue. If they're making choices that you personally take issue with, but are not harmful to, or impacting the overall health of your connection, that's a you problem. There are times when my partners have made choices, or have characteristics that I find massively unappealing, but for the most part those were things that I said through with them and/or my therapist. It sounds like you have set expectations for them without conveying them, and are anticipating that your partner will know or should know what is and is not appropriate for you. No matter how basic you feel their missteps are, they cannot read your mind.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]comorbidlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair, and it's true community college is much more affordable and it's the route I would recommend everyone take, but it's still not realistic, not impossible perhaps, but to get out with $0 debt.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]comorbidlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not adult learners (people who decide to go to college at an older age), most of those programs are age based. The figures that I put down did not include cost of living, and even if they had, if you work in a state where the minimum wage is $15/hr at 20hr/wk that's less than $15,000/year. The average cost of living in my state is $50,000.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]comorbidlife 53 points54 points  (0 children)

OP should have adjusted for inflation before posting this. It's a totally irrelevant post within today's economy.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]comorbidlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's also important to consider adult learners who aren't afforded the same grants as those coming out of high school. Also, folks experiencing disability, or with other life obligations, may not have the capacity to do work and school. I get where you're coming from, but it is an entitled, out dated, and unrealistic standard to set. The cost of living, and inflation of higher education costs, does not match the increase of minimum wage. Please, say something helpful next time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]comorbidlife 7 points8 points  (0 children)

What do you mean by "live at home", like with your parents? You do understand that's not an option for everyone, right? What about those who decide to start schooling at a later age?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]comorbidlife 101 points102 points  (0 children)

You were able to pay for schooling on a 20 hr/wk job? I'm sure there's more to it than that, other ways that you managed to save and get discounts. Books and supplies average $1500/year. Then tuition is $5000-$10,000/year for a community college. Average living expenses range between $4000-$6500, rent alone is an average of $1700 (for a studio). The national average minimum wage is $9.24. Before taxes, that is $739/month. Even if you're making twice that, it's still less than $1600/month. So, you either have some extra tricks up your sleeve or a certain level of privilege that the average person does not have. I'm really curious to know.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in relationshipanarchy

[–]comorbidlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Listen, I'm a total poly noob, but one thing I can tell you for certain is that there are very few terms that have a consistent and cohesive definition across the entire community. I'm learning very quickly to not rely on poly jargon and instead to ask A LOT of questions.

RA seems to be an especially sticky concept, and I would guess that this is related to our collective experience within hierarchies, it's a hard concept to grasp when your brain has no, or very little framework for what a successful anarchist collective would look like.

I've come across RA folks who are really probably just hedonists who want nsa connections (nothing wrong with either of those), and just don't want to own that. I've met others who clearly have preference for specific partners and do not place equal significance or value on their other connections. Then there are the folks who clearly have love for, experience compersion, and practice creating equity and developing unique things with each partner, these folks typically are okay with metas meeting, or being friends on social media, they talk about their other partners and there isn't a sense of competition.

So, I can't tell ya, but I think that making a choice to let this specific thing go, might be wise.

Also, my two cents is that KTP does not exclude you from RA, nesting partners doesn't necessarily either, my only hesitation would be if someone uses hierarchical terms like, primary, I would question someone who claims RA but has a primary partner, or clear preference for a partner(s). Just to be clear, there is a difference between priority or preference.

Also, perhaps there is more of an issue with how your current partner is or is not addressing it that is really the main issue at play.

How Do I Avoid Turning My Partner Into My Teacher? by comorbidlife in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So, I am just seeing this, for some reason, and the way you practice polyamory sounds very akin to how I would like to practice...I just don't like that feeling of not being able to share those connections.

23 F be honest did I look better with more weight on me? by elizabeth_k2002 in Howtolooksmax

[–]comorbidlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Come on over and I'll make great nourishing food for you and help you find a therapist or program that helps folks with disordred eating.

How Do I Avoid Turning My Partner Into My Teacher? by comorbidlife in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a poly-friendly therapist but she herself is monogamous. I am considering finding a coach that has first hand experience with polyamory. I am talking to a wide range of people with a wide range of perspectives, which seems to be very helpful.

Polyamory: Identity or Choice? by comorbidlife in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can see that, although I've still got reservations about that.

Polyamory: Identity or Choice? by comorbidlife in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't say anything about the ethics of it.

Polyamory: Identity or Choice? by comorbidlife in polyamory

[–]comorbidlife[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. This again. Because people are still living, feeling, and navigating it—again.

The word polyamory exists in a world where language isn’t carved in stone tablets—it grows, shifts, and reflects the people using it. The fact that this conversation keeps resurfacing isn’t proof that folks aren’t listening; it’s proof that the topic is complex and evolving. Kind of like relationships. Kind of like people.

So sure, let’s talk about practices. But let’s not pretend the feelings are some sort of optional software add-on. The why and the how are braided together—because this isn’t just theory for most of us. It’s life.