Takeaways from the RA Manifesto

Andie Nordgren wrote The Short Instructional Manifesto for Relationship Anarchy (the RA Manifesto for short) in 2006, but I only first encountered it in the summer of 2021. Though I’d run into the term RA in the reading I’ve done around alternative relationship structures (non-monogamy, polyamory, etc.), I had only the vague idea that it was something way over on one side of the non-monogamy spectrum. But in these nine succinct statements, Nordgren put words to what I’d been experimenting with and moving towards in trying to build relationships that were mutually enriching, authentic, and not burdened by the assumptions that so often get in the way. Many challenging and enlightening conversations ensued, which have had a significant impact on how I interact with people, especially those closest to me. So, over the next few weeks I’m going to post about each of the nine points of the RA Manifesto and share some of the things I’m learning as I experiment with new ways of being in relationship. I hope you find it useful.