On social media platforms, throuples, also known as triads, are increasingly sharing insights into their unique relationships, sparking curiosity and debate among audiences.

Here’s why individuals like Hugh, Helen, and Lena believe being in a throuple can be beneficial, the difficulties they face, and how such an arrangement can lead to personal development.

Experts suggest that navigating the needs of three people in a relationship can be challenging, and sustaining a throuple over time may prove difficult.

After considering the dynamics, Helen, Hugh, and Lena decided to give a throuple a try. For more than eighteen months now, they have embraced their life as a trio, staying open to new experiences while committed to building a future together.

After thinking it over, they gave it a shot. For over a year-and-a-half, Helen, Hugh and Lena have been a throuple, open to others yet committed to their everyday lives and future as a trio.

“It’s like a normal relationship now; it just fitted in with us,” Hugh said.

Joy in seeing others happy

“We had a really strong friendship and we were also able to be really close intimately, the three of us.”

Abbey Mackay and her husband Liam have had an open relationship for a decade. Source: Supplied

Abbey felt no jealousy, instead experiencing compersion — joy from her partner’s relationship with another.

“It’s a reminder that other people are really into them, and that’s hot.”

Less pressure to be everything

“For example, Lena and Helen share a passion for TV shows and comic books. It was something Lena and I struggled with as a couple because I couldn’t keep up. Now, I feel less pressure.”

“Three people also brings more perspectives, emotional backing and potentially more excitement.”

When things get complicated

“If there’s conflict between two of us, you can’t really take someone’s side. I find that quite hard.”

Being in a relationship of three can take the pressure off each person to be everything to their partner, but the dynamic can be complicated to navigate, experts say. Source: Getty / Visoot Uthairam

Intimacy between them sometimes involves all three, sometimes a combination of two. They admit there can be jealousy.

“But overcoming these feelings opens up a healthier dynamic that’s really nice, and beneficial in other aspects of life.”

Communication is everything

“When three people’s needs need to be met over time, it might not be sustainable.”

“People change, feelings change and dynamics change.”

Rules that ‘don’t make sense’

[This article was originally published in October 2024]