So, a discussion came up in one of the polyamory groups I'm in about what effects the isolation/distance is having on relationships, and libido. Some people noted a loss of interest in both, others noted a crazy libido and desire for contact with partners (both existing, and new.)
I'm kinda in a mixed up place myself. I'm never going to not be a relationship anarchist. That's my core foundation upon which I build all of my interpersonal relationships. I want to keep all of my existing relationships flourishing as best I can in this time, doesn't matter if the connections are romantic, sexual, platonic, alterous, queerplatonic, or any mix of properties. I miss seeing all of you in person. At the same time, I'm no longer "actively" seeking new relationships, or looking to add/change dynamics in any of my existing ones. Maybe I'll get back to that mindset at some point, but for now, keeping the existing connections is more important.
As for my libido, it's been a weird bipolar monster for years, and isolation has only made it worse. Some days, I'm pretty sure I could be in a room with the sexiest people I know, all naked, and looking for sexy fun, and I'd be like, "hey, want to play cards?" Other times I feel like I've regressed to a hormonal teenager and would jump into bed with someone I barely know (which for anyone who knows me, is not something I'd normally ever do.)
Now in 40 years on this planet, I've never before experienced anything even remotely like this situation before. Heck, I think only those old enough to have lived through the Spanish Flu might be able to claim otherwise. I don't know how long this is going to go on for, and have even less of an idea what the world will be like when it's done. I have a feeling we're at one of those moments in history, like the industrial revolution, the advent of nuclear weapons, the creation of the internet, 9/11, and any other Zeitgeist moments where things are never the same afterwards. So I keep going, not knowing what the future will look like, but looking forward to being able to find out (i.e. at least seeing a lifting of the distancing recommendations, if not a complete end of the pandemic.)
How are y'all doing in these regards?
There's some good comments on the FB post.