'Polyfi' couple explain how their lifestyle choice isn't swinging but does involve 'a third'

A 'polyfi' couple have opened up about their lifestyle, explaining they are not 'swingers'.

Robyn and Christopher Alesich, from Florida, met online back in 2001 and were married three years later. While their relationship started off completely monogamous, in 2007 they became romantically involved with a shared female friend.

It was this that kickstarted their interest in having a more open relationship, with the couple going on to practice something called 'polyfidelity' which is where a third person is introduced into the relationship.

In polyfidelity, the relationship is exclusive and those involved do not date outside of the group. So far, Robyn and Christopher have been in three 'serious' polyfidelity relationships, but explained their situation is often misunderstood by those not in the community, with many believing it's 'based on pure sex'.

Christopher, who is straight, explained: "Before we met, we had never been in relationships that weren't monogamous.

Robyn and Christopher have been practicing polyfidelity since 2007 (SWNS)

"But a few years into our marriage we had a friend who moved into our home, platonically at first, but eventually we became polyamorous. We realised what we wanted was a committed relationship, a throuple with one additional female.

"When a woman joins our relationship, she's in a relationship with both of us - she has a boyfriend and a girlfriend and everyone loves everyone."

Robyn, who is bisexual, said: "A lot of men get the wrong idea about us - I can't tell you how many men have tried to get in our bed.

"We have to explain, 'no, we're not open in that way'.

"Lots of people think it's just like having a sex partner, but it's more than that. The last girlfriend we had, we truly loved her and when it ended, that crushed us.

"We've been married a long time, and Chris and I don't NEED a partner - it's more that we have an amazing life, and we want to share it with someone."

The pair have been in three serious polyfidelity relationships (SWNS)

The couple launched their non-monogamous matchmaking platform Sister Wives back in 2008, and have since dated women who have used the site.

Robyn said: "Our family and friends found out and they didn't have a choice but to accept it and love us anyway."

While Christopher added: "It's no different than any other committed monogamous relationship, really."

The couple explained that before embarking on a new relationship, they must both be attracted to the third person. And when a girlfriend does join them, everyone is '100 percent equal' within the relationship.

"For us, personally, there's no hierarchy," said Robyn. "Maybe for some families there is, but for us that's not the case."

Robyn and Christopher explained that despite being in committed relationships, people often accuse them of being swingers. However, this is not the case.

"Actually, sex is a bonus, but it's not about sex, it's about the family and the connection," said Robyn.

Christopher added: "People think everything is about sex. How are people that horny?

The pair explain that it's not the same as swinging (SWNS)

"As polyamory goes, sex would be why people get into it for the wrong reasons."

Christopher and Robyn want to remove the taboo surrounding different types of non-monogamy.

"Unfortunately I think a lot of people keep their situation a secret because they don't want the outside opinions," said Robyn. "But on Sister Wives, we have done matchmaking for famous people, police officers and billionaire business owners.

"One of our biggest driving forces in the poly world is acceptance. There is acceptance for LGBT folk, changing pronouns and even furries - until you tell people you have a third partner.

"You should be able to live whatever makes you happy in your world."