So, one of my metas (Aspen) casually refers to her partners, the metas she has KTP dynamics with, and some telemours (partners of Aspen's metas), collectively as a polycule. It's not well defined, it's not like we gatekeep who's in or out of this polycule, it's just a shorthand for certain folks who are connected to Aspen through romantic relationships who get along well enough to all hang out sometimes.

Aspen has been talking to someone new (Birch), and in discussing her poly experience and history, mentioned the polycule, along with more parallel dynamics she has with other folks. For whatever reason, Birch decided to ghost Aspen, and then went out of their way to block every single identifiable person in the polycule on socials. I checked out of curiosity and even though I'm not active on most social media, I'm blocked too. Through the grapevine, as I'm friends with some other folks who know Birch, I've heard that Birch apparently freaked out about the fact that the literal word "polycule" was brought up and implied that we're a cult.

I promise I'm not in a cult, and to my awareness, Aspen isn't forcing KTP down anyone's throat. I don't think Birch is new to poly. I'm truly baffled by Birch's behavior, and a little creeped out, because the process of identifying my socials would have required more than a fast little internet search. I'm not looking for advice because in the grand scheme of things it doesn't affect me more than a raised eyebrow, but it's just like...wtf.