A number of organizations have been formed to promote and teach others about polyamory, and provide support and guidance to those individuals who have chosen polyamory as a way of living and loving. Each of these organizations has its own definition of what polyamory is. Essentially, they all agree that polyamory is the practice of loving more than one person at the same time. This is not the same as, for example, having both a wife and a mistress. In polyamorous relationships, all parties involved have consciously chosen to love, and be loved, by more than one person.

There are also many types of polyamorous relationships. The most common is called polyfidelity, or closed-group marriage. In cases of polyfidelity, groups of three or more individuals live together as a traditionally married couple would. These groups do not engage in sexual activity outside their circle, since they consider this bond a serious commitment.

According to the Polyamory Society, most polyamorists recognize that monogamy does not work for everyone. This is why the Polyamory Society

In cases of polyfidelity, groups of three or more individuals live together as would a traditionally married couple.

and other organizations promoting polyamory and polyfidelity were formed. They believe it is time to expand the definition of the socially accepted relationship and to open the western world to options other than monogamy.

As the divorce rate soars to an alarming percentage, members of polyamorous families believe that their lifestyle encourages commitment more than the traditional monogamous marriage. Their argument is that most monogamous couples break up due to adultery or restlessness. In a polyamorous situation, there is no need to choose between two or more loved ones. If all members of a polyamorous family are open and honest with one another, there is no need to end any commitment.