Ambiamorous - What is it? What does it mean?

Terminology

The word stems from the Latin prefix ambo which stands for "both". According to the Urban Dictionary website, ambiamorous meaning is:

“noting or relating to ambiamory, the state or practice of being comfortable in both monogamous and polyamorous, reciprocal relationships”

It is important to note that ambiamory should not be confused with other similar terms. For example, people who are ambiamorous create long-term committed relationships with one partner, they may also have a great match and value partnerships with multiple partners. 

Despite the limited resources on ambiamory, most people link it with being able to be happy in either relationship depending on the situation. Ambiamory may involve sexual, platonic, romantic, queerplatonic, or any other aspect relevant to monogamy as well as polygamy. It can also represent other forms of attractions which can all be grouped under one category.

History

Many people say they can be happy in either polyamorous or monoamorous bonds depending on the situation. 

Although the exact date and origin of the term are unknown, the fact of the matter remains that in a 2016 survey of single adults in the United States nearly one in five had been in a consensually non-monogamous relationship. 

Justin Lehmiller, social psychologist and research fellow at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction in Bloomington, Indiana says: 

“Something else we've seen in the last decade is that Google searches for the terms ‘polyamory’ and ‘open relationship’ have increased, which demonstrates that there's more interest in this topic,” 

Flag and Symbols

The most commonly used ambiamorous flag was uploaded by a Tumblr user in 2020. The colors do not have a confirmed or specific meaning. 

Ambiamorous flag

Pronouns

People who are ambiamorous may be cisgender, agender, non-binary, transgender, two-spirit, and many other genders. They may use different sets of pronouns from gender-specific to gender-neutral ones. Some of the gender-neutral pronouns they may use are: 

• they/them
• ze/zir
• xe/xem
• ee/eem

Some may use gender-specific pronouns: 

• she/her
• he/him

It is always important to remember not to assume people’s pronouns based on their relationship status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or presentation. Remember to share your pronouns in communication and ask the person about the pronouns they prefer using. 

How to Know if You are Ambiamorous?

If you feel the term best describes your approach to dating then go ahead and use it. Ambiamorous folks are happy in both monoamorous and polyamorous dating, as any of these relationships suit them fine. They enjoy both depending on the situation they are in. If you feel the label fits you and your identity best, You may be an ambiamorous person if you are equally happy being with partners in a monoamorous or polyamorous relationship. You may also be an ambiamorous individual if you have no preference for either one. 

Remember that your experience and orientation are yours alone. Nobody can tell you how to feel and whom to be attracted to.

Gallery:

Another version of the ambiamorous flag

Pastel triangle flag by Sleepygender