Welcome back to Wordy Wednesday, where we learn about words in the polyamory / ENM lexicon!
This week's word is Polysaturated.
Without looking it up, what do you think "polysaturated" means?
Having a diverse, colorful polycule
Being so full of love for your partners that you might burst
Having the most partners you can handle at one time
Dancing in the rain with your polycule
Voting ended onApr 22
Answer below the cut!
Polysaturated (adj) is "having as many romantic partners as one can handle at a time"; alternatively, it describes "a state where someone has reached their emotional, mental, or logistical capacity for managing multiple romantic or intimate relationships". (Note that in actual usage, the relationships in question may not necessarily be romantic in nature, but any sort of amorous relationship.)
The term "polysaturation" was coined by Cherie L. Ve Ard, a blogger who was active and visible in the polyamory community in the 2000s. In her 2006 blog post on the topic, she discusses the importance of dedicating enough time and energy to each partner that one has - as well as the importance of dedicating time and energy to oneself. Ve Ard also stresses that there is no easily defined point at which one becomes polysaturated, and the number of partners one is able to maintain relationships with at a time depends on a number of factors, ranging from lifestyle factors to personal obligations to problems arising in other relationships.
(Sources: Wiktionary.org, Non-Monogamy Help's article on Polysaturation, Tampa Bay Times article on polyamory feat. Ve Ard, Ve Ard's blog post on Polysaturation)
