Hey Reddit, I thought I’d share a glimpse into my rather unconventional lifestyle. I live with five girlfriends—yes, you read that right. It’s been a wild, eye-opening, and occasionally overwhelming experience, and I wanted to lay out the upsides and downsides of this polyamorous adventure for anyone curious about what it’s really like.

The Upsides

1.  Constant Companionship

There’s never a dull moment. Whether it’s movie nights, cooking together, or having someone to bounce ideas off, I’m always surrounded by love and energy.

2.  Diverse Perspectives

Each of them has their own unique personality, strengths, and interests. It’s like having my own personal think tank for everything from life advice to creative projects.

3.  Endless Support System

When life gets tough, having five people who genuinely care about me makes all the difference. They support my goals, celebrate my wins, and pick me up when I’m down.

4.  Shared Responsibilities

Running a household with six people means chores and responsibilities are divided up. We work as a team, and it’s surprisingly efficient when everyone chips in.

5.  A Love Like No Other

Polyamory challenges traditional notions of love and relationships, and I’ve grown so much because of it. There’s an honesty and depth that comes with navigating this kind of dynamic.

The Downsides

1.  Scheduling is a Nightmare

Balancing five relationships is like playing Tetris on hard mode. Quality time with each partner is important, but making it happen can be tricky. Google Calendar is basically my Bible.

2.  Jealousy Happens

Even in a polyamorous setup, jealousy can creep in. It takes constant communication and reassurance to keep everyone feeling secure and valued.

3.  Conflict Resolution x5

Arguments happen, and with six personalities in one house, resolving them can be complicated. Sometimes I feel like a part-time therapist (and I’m not getting paid).

4.  Lack of Alone Time

As much as I love them all, I’m an Aquarius—I need my space. Finding quiet moments for myself can feel like searching for a unicorn.

5.  Societal Judgment

Explaining my life to outsiders can be exhausting. People love to judge what they don’t understand, and I’ve had to grow a thick skin.

What I’ve Learned

Living this way isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s been worth it. It’s taught me the importance of communication, boundaries, and empathy. Every day is a balancing act, but it’s one that brings me happiness and fulfillment.

If you’ve got questions about polyamory, or if you’re just curious about how we make it work, ask away! I’m an open book.