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===Perceived failure rates===
Polyamorous relationships are often criticised as "not lasting". While itIt is hard to come by accurate numbers on the longevity of polyamorous relationships versus monogamous ones, so this perception is skeweddifficult byto severalmeasure, for a variety of factorsreasons.
Like many groups with non-traditional relationships, polyamorists often do not publicize their relational status. Commonly, only the ones which fail in public become known. The participants' criteria for a "successful" relationship also do not always coincide with the usual expected "goal" set by conventional monogamy. Polyamory is far more fluid than traditional marriage, so polyamorous relationships change or end as those within them feel right. A relationship that enriches the lives of its participants will usually still be considered a "success" even as it comes to an end. Since this is part of the flow of polyamory, it can be done without the souring that accompanies the end of mostmany marriages.
ThoseBecause sex and sexuality raise so many deep feelings in people, it is difficult for people to be non-biased in their casual assessment of the "success" of polyamorous relationships, with polyamorists and those opposed to polyamory each making assessments based on 'selective choice of evidence' (that supporting their view). For example, those who are not inclined towards such relationships may judge the ''type'' of relationship based on the failure of a particular ''instance'' of it., Thiseven wouldif bethey similardo tonot judgingjudge the entire institution of marriage a failure simply because a particular couple got a divorce. SuchOther criticisms aremay oftenbe based on observation of non-traditional relationships thatwhich lack the emphasis polyamory places on honesty, negotiation, and respect. These essential factors are not always obvious to outside observers, and multiple-partner relationships lacking these traits are indeed (like any relationship) likely to fail early.
ForWith thesea reasonslack of disciplined academic study in this area, there is simply no significantresearch evidence thatcomparing monogamous relationships arewith anypolyamorous moreones, successfuleither thanin polyamorousterms onesof longetivity (as a measure for those relationships which do make a "life-long" commitment), basedor uponin terms of meeting the expectations of those participating. Support forWhile thisa viewcasual isobserver alsomight foundsee inmany thepolyamorous divorcerelationships rateending, forsupporters monogamousof relationships,polyamory andnote inthat relatively few monogomous relationshps are truly successful either: citing the divorce rate, the number of marriages which hold together in name only, forand economicthe or other reasons, ornumber where partners are unhappy or cheat. So until proper studies are done, claims either way should be taken as anecdotal, potentially biased, and
certainly unscientific.
=== Inability/unwillingness to commit ===
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