If you had asked me prior to our current situation; I would have agreed about the validity of using the word "poly" to describe the aspect of a friendship-only based relationship. Now however, I do feel that poly-fidelity is an accurate description. We truly love this couple we have known for a long time. We love them as friends plus. This was true prior to any sexuality between us. Would I consider my feelings for the female the same as for my wife? Not at all, and maybe that is why I wouldn't call it full blown polyamory. I do think however, there is an understanding that is developing between us four that sets the stage for what is truly shared between the group and what is for spouses only. The interesting part will be how far this actually goes. Everyone involved is intelligent, rational, and already open to the others criticisms. It's hard to find folks who that honest with themselves in the vanilla world. That, I guess, is the one variable that makes it difficult to predict the final outcome. I could see where this could become something that would allow for an almost communal type of arrangement, while both couples would still retain the individuality of their relationship.
I do know that having four type A personalities is a recipe for both incredible fun and disasters..
