Summary

In this conversation, Tawnya Nelson and Joli Hamilton, PhD, explore the complexities of polyamory, communication, and emotional responses in relationships. Joli shares her personal journey from monogamy to polyamory, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, communication, and navigating jealousy. They discuss how jealousy can serve as a tool for self-discovery and the necessity of establishing clear agreements in relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust and creating safe relational containers for healthy connections.

Takeaways

Joli Hamilton transitioned from monogamy to polyamory 16 years ago.

Communication is crucial in navigating relationships, especially in non-monogamy.

Jealousy is a natural human emotion that can be worked with rather than avoided.

Understanding emotional responses can lead to deeper intimacy in relationships.

Establishing clear agreements is essential for successful non-monogamous relationships.

Jealousy can indicate unmet needs or expectations in a relationship.

Building trust takes time and requires ongoing communication.

Self-awareness is key to understanding one's desires and boundaries.

Non-monogamous relationships can provide opportunities for personal growth.

Every relationship structure requires its own set of tools and agreements.

Sound Bites

"I felt a little spark of desire."

"This describes who I am."

"Jealousy is a threat response."

Chapters

00:00 Journey into Non-Monogamy

11:00 Understanding Jealousy in Relationships

22:32 Navigating Multiple Relationships

28:15 The Complexity of Love and Relationships

29:32 Understanding Jealousy: A Cultural Perspective

32:36 Navigating Jealousy: Body Awareness and Emotional Processing

37:28 Jealousy as a Relationship Indicator

44:25 Building Relationship Infrastructure: Agreements and Repair Skills

52:43 Personal Journey: Embracing Non-Monogamy and Growth