I’m sitting on a plane right now, heading to Chicago for work. As usual, for my work trips, we try to plan them so John and I can spend Friday night and Saturday together before I have to work in the office all week. I guess I’m blessed with a boss that understands and allows the time for me to be off, too. For once, the universe smiled on us and our flights actually land within about thirty minutes of each other. Ok so… That’s not exactly true, there was a last minute drive to the airport to see if he could get on an earlier flight so I didn’t have to sit at the airport for 3 hours waiting for him. 😁😂 It was still a win and small victories like that feel extra sweet when you’re in a long-distance relationship.

For those who don’t know, CM, Me and John are in a polyamorous (or ENM: ethically non-monogamous) relationship. Cagedmonkey and I have been together for over 25 years, and my boyfriend, John, has become an important part of my life over the past three years. I am the poly one in our dynamic. Both of the guys are monogamous. It may not be how other people do it but it’s what we do and what works for us. What we have works, not because it’s easy, but because it’s intentional.

A lot of people imagine poly relationships as a free-for-all of romance and adventure, but the truth is much quieter. It’s time zones and calendars and flight schedules. It’s communication and compromise. It’s making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and loved, even when distance or daily life gets in the way.
John and I live in different states, so travel is a constant part of our relationship. He usually does most of it. He is at a point in his life where his kids are grown, he has no pets, and his life is a little more flexible than mine. I’m endlessly grateful for that, and for how much effort he puts into showing up, both literally and emotionally.

And then there’s my husband, who is so generous with his time and with me. It takes real strength and trust to share your partner, to allow love to exist in multiple directions and still feel secure in your own bond. That’s something I never take for granted. Cagedmonkey and I did enjoy a nice Date Night (more on those later) on Wednesday and some extra time together, last night, since I was leaving today. As a rare treat he even took off work to drive me to the airport. It was nice getting to hang out and drive together in the car for an hour and a half and get stuck in shitty traffic. 🤣 Making time for each other is what matters most.

Poly love isn’t about having more. It’s about giving more… more patience, more understanding, more communication. It’s learning that love isn’t a limited resource to be divided, but something that expands and deepens when it’s nurtured openly and honestly.

So while my Chicago trip might start as a work week, it’s also a reminder of how it can be an opportunity to nurture a long distance relationship we may not have otherwise had. It’s not always simple, all relationships take work… And sometimes a good flight plan! ✈️ 😁 ❤️

See you on the ground
Madam