Having been a part of a triad for over 6 years, I have seen a fair bit of the lifestyle, both in our group and in the other long term groups we've interacted with.

One thing I've noticed is that polygroups that last, tend to have just happened organically. Relationships weren't planned, so much as evolved. I had a partner as my primary, and a guy I saw on the side. Over time, my partner and the guy ended up spending more time around each other, and a relationship kindled between them.

Conversely, I've seen groups form from individuals who were openly poly to begin with, and were still in the initial dating phase with other folks, with no dedicated partners. Time progressed, and triads and other group dynamics started forming out of the mix. Some have lasted a long time, sadly others were only temporary.

It's always interesting to see how and why relationships form. The ones that last, I have noticed, have been founded on trust, honesty, and open communication.

For groups that have made it through the years, what have been some of your takeaways?