EUGENE, Ore., May 7, 2008 — In a society that hails monogamy as the tried and true form for romantic relationships, many are surprised to find that there is a large group of people who practice polyamory, taking part in more than one emotionally intimate relationship at a time. Others are aware of and curious about this rapidly growing relationship style, but aren't sure where to turn to find information or how to look into the possibilities. Still others practice polyamory but are looking for some place to turn to for advice.
"The Polyamory Handbook: A User's Guide" (published by AuthorHouse – http://www.authorhouse.com), the new book from Peter J. Benson, is intended for all of the above.
According to Benson, polyamory is "the practice of having emotionally and sexually intimate relationships with more than one person simultaneously, openly and honestly, keeping one's primary partner or partners (or dating partners) informed of the existence of other intimate involvements, and acting only with the agreement of all concerned."
This differs greatly, of course, from the mainstream practice of "affairs," which are based upon elements like lying and secrecy.
"It is typically not the outside sex that damages or shatters an existing committed relationship when an affair is discovered or suspected," says Benson. "It is the lying and secrecy, which destroys trust, an essential element in any loving relationship."
"The Polyamory Handbook" covers the entire spectrum of polyamory, from the definition of what polyamory is and is not, all the way up to highly detailed advice and information for those well-experienced in polyamorous living. Benson explores a wide variety of topics, including ethical considerations, sexual hygiene, relationship agreements, relationship skills, conflict resolution, children, finances, separation, legalities and many others.
Easily referenced, "The Polyamory Handbook" is not just a one-time read but an enduringly valuable and comprehensive guide for the growing community of people who live polamorously, are interested in doing so, or just want to know more about this increasingly mainstream way of life. According to Benson, it is also an asset for professionals in all areas of counseling and psychotherapy, who must be able to respond effectively to clients and parishioners who come to them for advice with polyamory-related issues.
In "The Polyamory Handbook," Pete Benson speaks from decades of experience with polyamory in a variety of forms. He has lived in a quad, as well as polyamorous dyads with various relationship configurations. Co-founder of three local polyamory groups, he has been active in each and has experience leading workshops and polyamory peer support groups. "The Polyamory Handbook: A User's Guide" is his first book. For more information, visit .
AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.
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