'Throuple’ Say People Are Envious Of Their Three-Way Relationship
| LAST UPDATE 08/09/2022
Michael and Lauren were happily married. Their relationship brought about overflowing amounts of love. So much so, that they decided to share their marriage with a third person. This is their unique story.
Meet Lauren and Michael
This unique fairytale romance started all the way back in 2011. At the time, Lauren and Michael were both students finishing their college degrees. But, neither of them could have expected just how much they would change each other's lives.
After a short 5 months of dating, it wasn't long before they were head-over-heels in love. They shared many common interests. Including their love for physical activities and spending time with loved ones. But even with all the love and butterflies, they couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.
Their Love Blossomed
Both based in Florida, USA, Lauren and Michael continued to build their relationship. From road trips to friends' weddings, the pair tackled all of life's ups and downs together. And with a connection as strong as theirs, the good times kept on coming.
As seasons went by, 2016 eventually came around, and the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level. So, Michael got down on one knee and proposed to the love of his life. Of course, she said yes, but their journey ahead would be far from ordinary...
They Tied the Knot
The special day came around, and Lauren, decked in a gown fit for a princess, finally married her Prince Charming. The newlyweds spent the festivities soaking in all the love from friends and family, and continued to live the good life in the following months.
After two blissful years in holy matrimony, the pair were well-settled into their marriage. But even so, the feeling of something missing still crept in from time-to-time. Even their little husky puppy, Cane, who certainly kept their hands full, couldn't fill the void. Luckily, the solution was just around the corner...
The Night That Changed Everything
On the 9th of June in 2018, the Anzivino's went to a gig by their favorite musician, Gryffin. While to them it was just a fun night on the town, they ended up meeting a girl named Jessica Handlan, who they instantly felt a connection with. Was she their missing puzzle piece?
They had an amazing time with their newfound friend and the more they got to know her, the more they realized that Jessica was no ordinary girl. Suddenly, the Anzivino's started to consider their marriage in a different light. There was something about her that made an impression.
They Had an Instant Attraction
“I felt a huge energy shift in the room," said Lauren of the moment she laid eyes on her. Jessica made them feel things they hadn't felt in a long time. But was she destined to be a loyal pal to the Anzivino's, or something more? The chance encounter left the two with a lot to think about.
Slowly but surely, the idea of a polyamorous relationship came up more and more in conversation. Michael and Lauren had only spoken of it casually, since they had never met anyone that fit both their personalities. But after they met Jessica, the topic was no longer a hypothetical.
They Got to Know Jessica
And the butterflies weren't just felt by the Anzivinos, Jessica also couldn't deny their palpable chemistry. “No hesitation, as soon as I saw them, I approached without expectations and told Lo [Lauren] how beautiful she was," said Jessica of the chance encounter.
Jessica immediately meshed with the couple. She was an avid fitness enthusiast just like Lauren and Michael, and worked as a health coach in Florida. But while their hobbies and interests aligned, Jessica had a quality that set her apart from her newfound flames.
They Couldn't Deny Their Chemistry
Although Mr. and Mrs. Anzivino were in unchartered territory, Jessica was already familiar with polyamorous relationships. For most of her adult life, her relationships involved more than two people. But could she help ease the couple into this unfamiliar transition?
Only time would tell, and so they started to go on dates. The three began to fit together naturally, and Jessica opened their minds to new possibilities of love. Slowly but surely, Michael and Lauren overcame their novice nature and welcomed Jessica into their marriage.
From Two to Three
It wasn't long before all three of them became inseparable. The spark grew deeper and deeper as each day passed. "There are several points in the relationship that led to 'falling in love'," said Michael. "You experience all the amazing things with each other, and then one day it just hits you."
"It's not so much the events, as it is the consistency and intensity," he added. And while some say that "three's a crowd," Lauren, Michael and Jessica found a rhythm that worked for them. But nothing could prepare them for what the future held in store.
How They Made It Work
With all the unique challenges that came with a polyamorous relationship, Michael, Jessica and Lauren gave it their all. They each made a huge effort to ensure that everyone was being treated equally and given proper attention. It wasn't always easy, but they found a way to make it work.
"Our delta is a 33 percent shared love between the three of us. We all have equal responsibilities to care for ourselves and each other," explained Michael. This approach helped to ensure the relationship remained as balanced as possible and that no one felt left out.
Three Different Couples
But there was more to consider than just the three of them. Within their shared relationship, there were sub-unions that needed care and attention. This left each member of the relationship with multiple connections to care for. And with so many hearts on the table, it was no surprise there was such an emphasis on feelings.
"Although our triad is predominantly the three of us, there are three additional relationships that need recognition: Michael and Lauren, Michael and Jess, Lauren and Jess," Michael explained. The balance was no easy feat by any means, but the three were committed to make it work.
Sharing the Load
At times it was challenging dealing with the transition from being a married couple at home to three roommates under one roof. But it also came with more hands on deck. And soon all three of them were completely in sync. And they found humor in their unique situation.
"We have a running joke for when we leave the house - if one of us forgets something, it's almost guaranteed that one of the others will remember to grab it," said Michael. And although that always provided a good laugh, the real lesson was that they were "three equal parts with equal responsibilities."
Not Everybody Was Happy for Them
The throuple couldn't have been happier with their romance, but not everybody in their lives was as thrilled about the union. Each member of the delta got a different reaction from their parents when explaining the unique circumstances of their relationship.
For Jessica, it was less of a challenge considering she had already been in polyamorous relationships. But for Michael and Lauren, the conversation was a little more complicated. After a few years of marriage, how could they explain that they were inviting a third person to join?
Breaking the News to Their Families
Michael's family was accepting of his new relationship. And slowly but surely, Lauren's parents followed. It took a little while, but eventually, everyone "warmed up." And now, all three families are "welcoming, accepting and loving" towards each member of the loved-up trio.
Lauren, Michael, Jessica, and their respective families, grew much closer over the years, forming strong bonds with each other. They even had regular family gatherings and spent the holidays together. But could parental support keep the relationship troubles at bay?
Their Relationship's Challenges
Like most relationships, the odd rainy day came, and the throuple was no exception. Sometimes feelings of jealousy, anger and insecurities crept in, but they found a way to manage it. And their solution to riding out the troubles lay within Lauren's passion.
Jessica, Lauren and Michael all believed that yoga and meditation were an essential part of their relationship's success. The three adopted this hobby as a way to connect as individuals and as a union. And take it from Lauren, she was no stranger to its wonderful benefits.
How They Coped
Lauren believed that "the best way to take care of others is to take care of yourself. Start with this. Yoga, meditation, and your own health create space for loving yourself first." The long-time yogi knew just how powerful of a tool it could be, and brought it into their relationships.
"Knowing your worth will allow you to be free of insecurity, doubt, and jealousy. Then, empower each other through the good and the bad. When new problems arise, face them head-on right away," she further explained. Namaste. But yoga wasn't the only solution.
Their Key to Success
The three of them also became experts at handling the bumps that present themselves along the way. They made sure to always "Talk through the challenges, big or small, and find a resolution together," said Lauren. With so many voices at the table, the three were committed to being heard.
"Being on the same page is crucial - especially when making big commitments. It's important to communicate each individual's wants and needs, all day, every day so that no emotions are suppressed," she added. The three were committed to spreading love, even beyond their home.
Sharing Their Story
Despite sharing their story on social media, they didn't want or expect others to follow their example. "We live by inspiring, rather than influencing others. We serve to spread love everywhere we go. Any relationship, monogamous or otherwise has its challenges," said Lauren.
"Being human, we are bound to feel insecurity, anger, sadness, etc. at some point." And with three individuals and their own emotional lives, it was all about teamwork for Lauren, Michael and Jessica. They were less focused on the uniqueness of their situation and more about working together.
Someone Felt Left Out
Michael, Jessica, and Lauren each had their turn to feel left out or unhappy. "Although these emotions stem from both internal and external factors, we work together to consciously remove them from our space," explained Lauren. They were no strangers to the occasional hiccup.
"If you constantly show happiness and light, you're more likely to attract those with aligned paths. If it means adding another person to the mix, embrace that," she added. And while she was able to adopt that simple mantra, other folks struggled to understand the dynamic between the three.
Dealing With Public Opinions
As time went on, the lovebirds grew to find amusement in the reactions they received from on-lookers. "We usually have to repeat ourselves a few times to 'spell it out' for them," said Jessica. But the lovebirds handled even the wildest of reactions.
"People are generally confused but intrigued to know more about the relationship," she added. "Most reactions are quite comical, and the questions start to pour in. Men, especially, are excited and envious." But no matter what the reaction, the three were too in love to care.
How Long Would It Last?
Wrapped up in their own little world, the throuple blinked, and suddenly a year had passed since they started dating. With such a deep connection between the three of them, they could hardly consider a different way of life. Things were just getting better and better.
"Anyone who has crossed our paths since has witnessed how amazing this dynamic has become. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey," Lauren wrote in commemoration of the anniversary. But would Jessica notice the absence of the ring on her finger?
Forbidden Love
As things stood, Lauren, Michael and Jessica were unable to officiate their love with a legal wedding ceremony in the USA. However, plans to travel to Thailand or Indonesia were very much on the table. These two countries recognized their union, and offered the possibility to get hitched officially.
But lucky for them, they didn't need a certificate to confirm how they felt. All they knew was that there was no stopping their connection. The three of them had so much love to offer the world, that they began to consider the option of adding a child into the mix.
They Couldn't Get Married
But until then, the trio wasn't short of fun activities to do together. They spent their days attending outdoor music festivals, beach hopping in Florida, and celebrating love at other friends' weddings. They took their love across the U.S., to destinations like Chicago and Colorado.
As time passed, another pooch was added to the family after the passing of Michael and Lauren's first dog, Cane. Another husky puppy, named Marley joined. But the furry-four-legged creature was just the beginning, as the three looked to grow their family in a much bigger way.
The Big News
As the second anniversary of the trio rolled around, a different kind of celebration was in order, for it was no ordinary day. The throuple shared the exciting news that Lauren was expecting. With so much love to share, the three were overjoyed about becoming a real family.
Jessica took to Instagram to share her excitement, writing that she couldn't wait to "welcome a sweet little soul into [the] family." The special news made Jessica feel even more sure of her love, adding, "I’ve never been more confident in knowing that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be."
Preparing for Parenthood
Lauren's growing baby bump quickly became known as "Baby A," an assumed reference to the Michael's family name, Anzivino. The three continued to soak in the love from friends and family, as news spread of the upcoming addition to the fam. Especially for Lauren, who beamed from the pregnancy glow.
"Thank you for making it possible for us to bring a sweet little peanut into this world- I can’t wait for all the baby booty bites and giggles, I love you," Jessica shared. The moms and dad to-be couldn't believe their dreams were coming true, but would this chapter be a fairytale?
The Way Lauren Dealt With Pregnancy
Carrying a baby was no walk in the park for Lauren, especially because she was so accustomed to living an active life. But despite the rollercoaster that came with the pregnancy, she was committed to keeping up with her main passion: Yoga. Where there was a will, there was a way.
"I am so incredibly thankful everyday for my health and this yoga practice. It has allowed me to keep doing what I love most, while I grow a teeny human," she shared during her third trimester. "There’s no better motivation to stay healthy, than when you’re literally connected to another growing life," she added.
It Wasn't Always Easy
But pregnancy wasn't as easy as the average sun salutation. And outside the yoga studio, Lauren experienced the less enjoyable aspects of the journey as well. "Not every day of pregnancy is as beautiful as it seems," she wrote. Lauren found herself feeling vulnerable as time passed and doubted her abilities as a mother.
But it wasn't just the hormones and insecurities: "The physical aspects are taxing," she wrote, adding: "But pregnancy is the most exciting reason to feel like crap!" The ups and downs came, but Lauren was committed to enjoying the ride and witnessing just how powerful her body was.
From Three to Four
Michael, Lauren, and Jessica met their little miracle on December 22nd, 2020. The three welcomed a baby girl, and landed on the name Aria Lyn Anzivino. This newest addition to the family was a dream come true, and she finally completed their perfect puzzle.
Lauren opted for an at-home, unmedicated birth. She claimed the experience showed her "the true meaning of 'women are warriors.'" The three spent this extra special holiday season in their baby bubble, soaking in those first precious days with their newborn.
Mom, Dad, and Mom
The three parents were besotted with their little bundle of joy. Aria represented their greatest dream come true, and they all couldn't wait what the future had in store. "You have made me a mom and because of that, I promise to love you forever, unconditionally," Jessica said.
The three were enjoying every moment of being new parents. Lauren, Michael and Jessica had relished in seeing Aria's firsts: Including her first snow angel, attending her first baseball game, and joining her moms on the mat during their favorite activity.
Back in the Flow
After taking some time to heal after the birth, Lauren hit the mat and returned to her life's passion: Yoga. Her practice was forever changed thanks to her special companion, Aria. The new mom loved enjoying this hobby with her baby by her side. And didn't hold back from showing off the cuteness on Instagram.
And although the family loved sharing their journey on social media, they sometimes fell victim to the harsh opinions of others. Many followers struggled to grasp the concept of a multi-person relationship, let alone a multi-parented child. This was often very difficult.
Where Are They Now?
However, Michael, Lauren and Jessica are enjoying the gifts of parenthood too much to care what others have to say. Aria has provided them with endless laughs and adventures, as they watch her experience the joys of life with fresh eyes. This little baby has opened them to a whole new world of love.
From trips to the beach to experimenting with new foods, Aria's experiences have become the center of their universe. And while the possibility of more kids may be on the table, for now, the new parents are soaking up every second of this exciting journey.