A ‘Throuple’ is not the same as open relationship.

The three-way relationships are still generally misunderstood or ignored by society as it’s still considered uncommon today.

A throuple — a mix of the words couple and three — is an intimate connection that involves three people, in which every person is romantically linked with the other two. Although media representation usually shows two bisexual women and one straight man, throuples can consist of any kind of gender orientation. Throuples can be just as committed to one another as couples, despite lacking legal frameworks to recognize their relationships.

"Three individuals who are in a relationship with each other very often prefer to be called a 'triad' rather than 'throuple,'" Jennifer Schneider said, a licensed therapist and social worker who has clinical experience working with non-monogamous people.

And just in time for Valentine’s Day, we interviewed two people who are currently in the same throuple relationship.

Peter, a 28 year-old male, shared his experience of being in a three-way relationship.

Peter said he and one of the two persons involved in the throuple met in Tinder.

“I already know he's in open relationship and I'm open with it. He explained it to me before asking me to be his boyfriend and be part of throuple,” Peter answered when asked how he agreed to be part of the polyamory.

Peter also explained that the two are already in 8-year relationship before he was added to the picture, “we are already 7 months in relationship [as throuple].”

He also shared he loves that they have a very good communication. “We understand and love each others.” Peter said.

“I can have a time on my own while making me felt loved. They make sure that I am always part of the picture,” he added.

Peter also left a message to his partners, “I love you both. You always take care and always remember that I am always here for you.”

James, the other one involved in the throuple with Peter, also shared his side. He first explained how he met the two.

“Si JB [the other partner], nakilala ko dati sa concerts. Parang tagahanga ko siya na nag-message pagkatapos ng isang concert ko. Tapos nag-usap na lang kami nang nag-usap online  hanggang sa nahulog na ako sa kaniya at umaming gusto ko siya. Isang linggo kaming opisyal na nag-date hanggang sa magdesisyong lagyan ng label.”

“Nakamatch ko naman si Peter sa Tinder. Dalawang buwan kaming nag-date bago naging kami. Pero sa umpisa pa lang nag-click na agad kami,” James said.

“Naramdaman ko nang magtatagal,” he added.

James also shared that he and JB was already open about throuple before he met Peter.

“Noong kami pa lang ni JB, napaguusapan na namin ang ideya ng polyamory. Nagdesisyon kaming gawin open ang relationship namin para makapagexperimento at matuto pa tungkol sa sarili. Unti-unti kong natuklasang posible ngang magmahal ng higit sa isa. Kailan lang, nagddesisyon kaming isabuhay ang polyamory. Sumubok ako sa Tinder at doon ko na nga nakilala si Peter. Umpisa pa lang sinabi ko nang may partner ako at polyamorous ako. Tulad ni JB, bukas din ang pag-iisip niya. Nagdate kami nang dalawang buwan hanggang sa tanungin ko siya kung gusto niyang maging boyfriend ko. Inexplain kong magiging parte siya ng isang polyamorous relationship, at pumayag naman siya.”

When asked the things he liked in his relationship, he answered, “Pinakagusto ko ang pagiging mature nilang dalawa; walang mabababaw na away. Hindi rin namin masiyadong problema ang selos sa ibang tao. Palagay ko, dahil rin alam naming malaya kaming mag-express ng nararamdaman, mas bukas kami sa isa’t isa. Mas payapa.”

James also did not hesitate to answer when asked about the things he does not like:

“Bilang makakalimutin, natatakot akong makalimot kasi mas maraming dates na kailangang tandaan. Hahaha! Bukod dito, LDR kasi kami ni JB dahil siya ay kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Kaya rin wala pa sila masiyadong interaksyon ni Peter. Wishful thinking na makabuo rin sila ng relasyon, pagkakaibigan man o higit doon.” James shared.

“Ay, saka parehas silang mataray. Hahaha! Biro lang! Tanggap ko pagiging mataray nilang dalawa,” he added.

Just like Peter, James also left a message for the two he loves.

“JB, Jepoy, maraming salamat. Maswerte akong magmahal at makatanggap ng pagmamahal mula sa dalawang taong kahanga-hanga ang puso’t utak. Wala akong ibang hangad kundi ang kaligayahan niyong dalawa at ang tagumpay niyo sa anumang naising gawin. Mahal na mahal ko kayo.”