Couple Form Poly Triad With Woman They Met At A Gig And Use Yoga To Get Rid Of Any Jealousy

By Rebecca Drew

THIS COUPLE met their girlfriend at a gig and say that other men are envious of their three-way relationship – but they diffuse any jealousy between themselves by PRACTICING YOGA.

Civil engineer, Michael Taylor and wife yoga instructor, Lauren (both 30) from Florida, USA, started dating in 2011 when they both met at college and were married in 2016.

The couple had been in a monogamous relationship for seven years but had realised that they had more love to give than to each other and wanted to enhance their partnership when they met health coach, Jessica Woodstock (30) by chance at a Gryffin gig in June 2018.

During the concert, Lauren felt the energy in the room shift and turned to see Jessica standing there with her friends. Jessica approached Lauren and Michael and told Lauren how beautiful she was and the three spent the evening talking, listening to their favourite music and laughing, they’ve been together ever since.

Michael, Lauren and Jessica view their relationship as three people in love equally, not two people together, plus one additional person. Although their triad relationship is predominantly based on the three of them and their bond as a throuple, they each have individual relationships as couples, which they say, along with open communication is the key to their success as a triad

Their respective families have all accepted their relationship and sexuality and the triad say one of the best things about being in this type of relationship is that they have three sets of friends and family who love and support them. However, when out in public they are greeted with looks of confusion from people who are intrigued to learn more about their relationship dynamic with men being envious of their lifestyle.

The triad recognise that feelings of insecurity, anger and sadness are natural in any relationship but practicing yoga and meditation helps them become free of insecurity and enables them to remain level-headed enough to talk though any difficulties that may arise.

“Jess has been polyamorous most of her adult life. Lauren and I were monogamous for seven years but were in search for an enhancement to the relationship. We each had more love to give than just to each other,” said Michael.

“There are several points in the relationship that led to ‘falling in love’. You experience all the amazing things with each other, and then one day it just hits you. It’s not so much the events, as it is the consistency and intensity. The over and over again. The reassurance and affirmation of why. It’s a combination of being welcomed by friends and family, laughing until we cry, and supporting each other through the most difficult times.

“Our delta is a 33 per cent shared love between the three of us. We all have equal responsibilities to care for ourselves and each other. Although our triad is predominantly the three of us, there are three additional relationships that need recognition: Michael and Lauren, Michael and Jess, Lauren and Jess.

“Three equal parts with equal responsibilities. We have a running joke for when we leave the house – if one of us forgets something, it’s almost guaranteed that one of the others will remember to grab it.

“Each of us shines separately as individuals and come together for the same purpose. We push each other to better ourselves and to pursue our passion. We celebrate every win in our house.

“Initially, it was very difficult to share the news with mine and Lauren’s families. Jess’ family had known and supported her lifestyle for quite some time prior to us. We were extremely careful and patient in explaining it to Lauren’s family because of the adversity – coming out as bisexual and welcoming another woman into the marriage.

“However, they warmed up very quickly and love Jess and Michael as one of their own. At this point, all three of our families are welcoming, accepting, and loving toward the spouses. We know it’s not very often you come across families as fun and supportive as ours.

“Within the last year and a half, our families have come together on several occasions and have become very close. We celebrate family gatherings and Holidays altogether.”

Michael, Lauren and Jessica plan to get married one day and as union between three people isn’t legal in the USA, they’re looking to travel to Thailand or Indonesia to get married and they plan to extend their family through having kids of their own or adopting.

The triad believe that having a third person in their relationship means that there is always a third perspective to bring logic to situations.

“The best way to take care of others is to take care of yourself. Start with this. Yoga, meditation, and your own health create space for loving yourself first,” said Lauren.

“Knowing your worth will allow you to be free of insecurity, doubt, and jealousy. Then, empower each other through the good and the bad. When new problems arise, face them head on right away.

“Talk through the challenges, big or small, and find a resolution together. Being on the same page is crucial – especially when making big commitments. It’s important to communicate each individual’s wants and needs, all day, every day, so that no emotions are suppressed.

“We live by inspiring, rather than influencing others. We serve to spread love everywhere we go. Any relationship, monogamous or otherwise has its challenges. Being human, we are bound to feel insecurity, anger, sadness, etc. at some point.

“Although these emotions stem from both internal and external factors, we work together to consciously remove them from our space. If you constantly show happiness and light, you’re more likely to attract those with aligned paths. If it means adding another person to the mix, embrace that.”

Public reaction to their relationship often puts a smile on the throuple’s face.

“We usually have to repeat ourselves a few times to “spell it out” for them, if you will,” said Jessica.

“People are generally confused but intrigued to know more about the relationship. Most reactions are quite comical, and the questions start to pour in. Men, especially, are excited and envious.

“Here are a few initial questions we receive from those who have never encountered something like this in person: ‘Who sleeps in the middle?’, ‘Who controls the thermostat?’, ‘How did you all meet?’, ‘Who wears the pants?’, ‘Do you plan on getting married or having kids?’, and, ‘Do you go on separate date nights?’

“The key to this is to always be yourself, don’t hold back your wants and needs, and prevent resentment. It’s also important to create foundational relationships like the three separate ones we share.

“A triad is a delicate balance.”

For more information see www.instagram.com/wearethr33_