What Happens When We Stop Pretending One Person Can Meet All Our Needs?

Love stories aren’t always linear. They don’t always fit the boxes we’re taught to check—marriage, monogamy, forever. In this week’s episode of Therapist Unplugged, we explore polyamory and radical honesty as we sit down with Leland and McKenzie, a married couple whose relationship began as a spontaneous Tinder hookup… and evolved into a thriving polyamorous partnership grounded in radical honesty.

While their relationship structure may not reflect what’s familiar, their approach to communication offers universally powerful insights for anyone in any relationship, highlighting polyamory and radical honesty in their dynamics.

What Is Polyamory—and Why Talk About It?

Polyamory, often misunderstood, is the practice of engaging in multiple consensual romantic or sexual relationships with the knowledge and agreement of everyone involved. It’s not just about “more” partners, it’s about more intentionality, clarity, and often, more communication than most traditional couples ever attempt. Importantly, the practice of polyamory involves radical honesty, which enriches these relationships.

Why talk about it on a podcast hosted by licensed therapists? Because exploring ethical non-monogamy gives us a unique lens to examine the unspoken assumptions, fears, and needs that exist in every relationship, monogamous or not. Indeed, understanding polyamory and radical honesty opens new pathways for discussion.

Key Takeaways from Leland and McKenzie’s Story

1. Radical Honesty Can Be a Relationship Superpower
McKenzie shared, “Being able to tell your partner ‘I find this person attractive’—just something as simple as that—removes so many barriers of other things to communicate about.” Whether you’re in a closed or open relationship, that level of honesty requires vulnerability—and it builds trust while embracing polyamory.

2. Boundaries Matter More Than Rules
In many monogamous relationships, boundaries are assumed rather than discussed. Leland and McKenzie’s marriage thrives because they continuously co-create boundaries. It’s not about permission—it’s about clarity, consent, and deep respect.

3. No One Person Can Be Everything
One of the most resonant lessons? It’s unrealistic—and often unfair—to expect one person to meet every emotional, physical, social, and spiritual need. Their approach invites us to embrace interdependence, not codependence.

This Isn’t About Becoming Polyamorous

You don’t have to change your relationship structure to benefit from what this episode offers. Polyamory and radical honesty are concepts that can even benefit those in monogamous relationships. In fact, many of our monogamous clients at The Montfort Group find that learning about alternative relationship models helps them reexamine the pressure, resentment, and disconnection that can creep in over time.

As therapists, we believe that relationships thrive when people feel seen, safe, and empowered to speak the truth—even when that truth is uncomfortable. Exploring topics like polyamory and radical honesty provides valuable insights.

Listen to the Full Conversation

If you’re curious about polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, or just want a better way to talk about hard things in your own relationship, we invite you to listen to this week’s episode of Therapist Unplugged.