She Felt 'Deeply Alone' in Her Previous Marriage. Now She Shares Her Polyamorous Relationship Online (Exclusive)

Hayley Folk is in an ethical, non-monogamous relationship with her husband
She makes videos and writes about her relationship and partners to raise awareness and fight stigmas
Folk shares her relationship online in hopes to help others like her feel less aloneHayley Folk is very open about her relationship.
Folk, 30, is a bisexual polyamorous woman who is in an ethical, non-monogamous relationship with her husband. Folk "spent the almost past 10 years coming to terms with being polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, and finding relationships that suit me."
Folk talks with PEOPLE exclusively about her lifestyle, why she shares her content and what she hopes people learn and take away from her videos and articles.
In her first marriage, her husband opened their relationship because he believed it was what she wanted.
"I was going in blind and had no clue what I was doing, but through two years of being in an open relationship and then an open marriage, when we got married, I realized I was polyamorous," she explains to PEOPLE. "The relationship ended for multiple reasons, one of them being that my ex-husband realized he was monogamous, and we realized we didn't [work] for each other. We got married young, and then I moved to New York."
Once Folk moved to New York, she began dating and met her now-husband, Kyle, with whom she has been open since the beginning of their relationship. Then, Folk began writing professionally about her life online, and for her, it felt like a "therapeutic processing piece." This year, she started sharing videos about her polyamorous lifestyle online and grew her following, sharing an honest look at her life.
She receives a lot of comments on her content, both positive and negative. Through her platform, she has built a community of people who discovered they are polyamorous and interested in ethical non-monogamy. Folk has been able to quell misconceptions about what polyamory and ethical non-monogamy look like, including the idea that "polyamory is a way to say out loud that you want to cheat, and that is not the case."
"Ethical non-monogamy is an umbrella term, and being polyamorous is having the ability to love multiple people at once. Someone can be polyamorous and be in a closed relationship. The ability to be polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous is so that you can be honest about what you want."
In making her content, Folk hopes that ethical non-monogamy can be normalized.
"It doesn't have to be something that's taboo. It doesn't have to be something that's a conversation starter, something that everyone else can gawk at," she continues. "What I've come to find over time is that, like queerness, polyamory can be a normal thing. To embody this lifestyle, there is the ability also eventually to come to terms with it, and we're all living our lives in the way that we know how best [to]."
Though it varies from relationship to relationship, Folk shares that she and her husband have rules for each other, and she acknowledges that "the rules do fluctuate over time."
"We always check in with each other before and after dates with other people. Check-in can be done over text, FaceTime, or in person," she explains. "We like to take the time beforehand to set intentions and check in with each other, and that's something that we strictly abide by."
Folk also explains that during these check-ins, they conduct a temperature check on the relationship to ensure they're spending enough time together.
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
One of Folk's most significant pieces of advice for those who have been in a monogamous relationship for a while and are looking to open up is to "take your time."
"Slower is better. Maybe create a dating profile together and swipe through profiles together, imagining going on dates. Sit down and write out every possible scenario that you are afraid of happening, and talk about those things openly," she details. "Sometimes, people open up as a way to save their relationship or fulfill their partner's needs, but they don't discuss their fears. If you can access those conversations together before you do anything and continue to have those conversations, that's the healthiest way."
She also recommends that couples consider investing in a couples therapist who specializes in and understands alternative relationship styles.
"You need someone who can truly understand and is coming at it from a completely non-biased perspective."
There are many things that Folk enjoys about her relationships, including "not having to hide anything about myself from my primary partner."
"There is a level of freedom and transparency that happens when you can truly say anything, and you don't have to filter yourself," Folk shares. "I can be myself openly, honestly and authentically, including the connections I want with other people, and it's okay. It doesn't mean anything is wrong with our relationship or that it's bad."
The hardest part about her relationship, Folk shares, is the "judgment from society."
"I've developed a very thick skin over the years. I discuss this online for a reason, and some comments are quite harsh," Folk recalls. "I would be lying if I said it didn't affect me at all. I could see for other new [polyamorous] people; maybe that fear of judgment could be the worst part."
"I want to help other people. When I opened my previous marriage, I felt so deeply alone. I was searching through Reddit and was following the advice of strangers. I was trying to find any resources," Folk shares. "People don't get it more often than not, so I want to make sure that one person can feel less alone. That's what matters to me. I want to help folks. If I can help at least one person through embarrassing, cringy or sometimes sentimental videos, then that's what I'll do."
Read the original article on People

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

29 minutes ago

• Yahoo

NICKELODEON KIDS' CHOICE AWARDS 2025 HIGHLIGHTS AND WINNERS

Share It: @Nickelodeon @KidsChoiceAwards #KCA** Click HERE to access interviews, clips, photos and footage from the show. HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 put kids and families in control at the biggest party of the summer, live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., on Saturday, June 21, at 8 p.m. ET, tape delayed for viewers on the West Coast (PT). Hosted by Grammy® Award-winning, multiplatinum global superstar Tyla, the show featured: exciting star-studded collaborations; legendary skateboarding stunts; the latest in music with high-energy performances; epic Slimings; and surprise reveals of fans' favorite TV shows, movies, music, and more—with Nickelodeon's signature Orange Blimp trophies awarded throughout the night. Highlights from Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 included: Host Tyla led a "Best of Summer" dance celebration featuring the hottest tracks of the summer DJ'd by benny blanco, joined by an array of dancers, including a special appearance by Smurfette; Skateboarding legends Tony Hawk and Katelyn West amped up the crowed with an on-stage stunt before presenting an award to the cast of The Thundermans: Undercover for "Favorite Kids TV Show," followed by Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin from The Thundermans: Undercover, as they accepted their KCA Blimps with an enormous sliming for "Favorite Male TV Star (Kids) and "Favorite Female TV Star (Kids);" Nickelodeon Our World honored Los Angeles kids and highlighted how skateboarding has helped them make a difference, by taking the lead in building community and developing lifelong skills to support themselves and those around them through difficult times; SeanDoesMagic disappeared through a magic portal in the Slime Lounge before landing in Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, as the audience voted live on which ride he should go on, with the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge winning; Rihanna hit another career milestone as the first-ever recipient of the "ICON" Silver Blimp Award, honored for her contributions to entertainment, beauty and activism. She accepted the Blimp from inside the magical Smurf Village, before unleashing a tidal wave of first-ever blue Slime on the audience; Salish Matter took home an award for "Favorite Female Creator," caping off her win with a surprise Sliming as she walked off stage; Comedy icon Jack Black was honored with a special "King of Comedy" Silver Blimp for his legendary career spanning film, television, music and more. The award was presented by Nacho Libre co-stars Ana de la Reguera and Héctor Jiménez, as the audience cheered with giant cutouts of his most iconic characters and faces just before being doused in a double Sliming; Musical performances of: "cliché," by mgk, from his upcoming sixth studio album Lost Americana, introduced by his daughter, Casie Baker, culminating in an epic Sliming; and "Gnarly," by KATSEYE, from their upcoming second EP, Beautiful Chaos, introduced by Ice Spice, culminating in a huge canon Sliming; Samantha Lorraine and Jacob Rodriguez, from the Nickelodeon and Paramount+ upcoming movie Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, went on an adventurous search throughout the KCA venue to find Dora's missing Backpack, as the audience voted live on its location—being at the Orange Carpet; Tyla closing out the show, with an ultimate centerstage Sliming; And celebrity appearances by Malia Baker, Kylie Cantrall, Auli'i Cravalho, Terry Crews, Young Dylan, Brie Garcia, Maia Kealoha, Salish Matter, Kel Mitchell, Daniella Monet, Renee Montgomery, Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and more. The following are Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 winners: TELEVISION: FAVORITE KIDS' TV SHOWThe Thundermans: Undercover FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (KIDS)Jack Griffo (Max Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover) FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (KIDS)Kira Kosarin (Phoebe Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover) FAVORITE FAMILY TV SHOWXO, Kitty FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (FAMILY)Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz, Cobra Kai) FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (FAMILY)Peyton List (Tory Nichols, Cobra Kai) FAVORITE REALITY TV SHOWAmerica's Got Talent FAVORITE CARTOONSpongeBob SquarePants FILM: FAVORITE MOVIEWicked FAVORITE MOVIE ACTORJack Black (Steve, A Minecraft Movie) FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESSAriana Grande (Glinda, Wicked) FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIEInside Out 2 FAVORITE MALE ANIMATED VOICE FROM A MOVIEDwayne Johnson (Maui, Moana 2) FAVORITE FEMALE ANIMATED VOICE FROM A MOVIEAuli'i Cravalho (Moana, Moana 2) FAVORITE VILLAINJim Carrey (Dr. Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog 3) FAVORITE BUTT-KICKEREmma Myers (Natalie, A Minecraft Movie) MUSIC: FAVORITE FEMALE ARTISTSZA FAVORITE MALE ARTISTBruno Mars FAVORITE MUSIC GROUPStray Kids FAVORITE SONG"Taste" – Sabrina Carpenter FAVORITE MUSIC COLLABORATION"luther" – Kendrick Lamar and SZA FAVORITE FEMALE BREAKOUT ARTISTSabrina Carpenter FAVORITE MALE BREAKOUT ARTISTBenson Boone FAVORITE ALBUM"Short n' Sweet" – Sabrina Carpenter FAVORITE GLOBAL MUSIC STARAfrica: Tyla FAVORITE SONG FROM A MOVIE"Defying Gravity" – Cynthia Erivo (ft. Ariana Grande) (Wicked) FAVORITE VIRAL SONG"Bluest Flame" – Selena Gomez, benny blanco OTHER CATEGORIES: FAVORITE FEMALE SPORTS STARSimone Biles FAVORITE MALE SPORTS STARLeBron James FAVORITE MALE CREATORMrBeast FAVORITE FEMALE CREATORSalish Matter FAVORITE GAMERIShowSpeed FAN FAVORITE KIDS' CREATORMs. Rachel FAVORITE PODCASTLOL Podcast Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 will encore (ET/PT) on Sunday, June 22, at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon; Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. on Nicktoons; and Tuesday, June 24, at 9:10 a.m. on TeenNick. The show will also be available to stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, June 22. Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 is sponsored by Instacart and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Contacts:Lilah Tiffany View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Nickelodeon

Yahoo

43 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Gulfstream Park Results for June 21, 2025

Copyright 2025 Equibase Company. 1ST--1 Mile 70 Yards 2. Anacapri Miguel Angel Vasquez 6.40/ 2.80/ 2.40 4. La Cyber Edgard J. Zayas 2.40/ 2.10 5. Ball Up Top Jose E. Morelos 4.80 $1 Exacta (2-4) $7.30; $0.10 S (2-4-5-6) $12.65; $0.50 T (2-4-5) $24.35. 2ND--1 Mile Turf 5. Refined Honor Edgard J. Zayas 19.00/ 9.60/ 4.40 1. Capt'n Pike Wilfred Vasquez 11.00/ 4.40 6. Risen Sun Miguel Angel Vasquez 2.20 $1 Daily Double (2-5) $19.60; $1 E (5-1) $100.40; $0.10 S (5-1-6-2) $105.52; $0.50 T (5-1-6) $145.15. 3RD--5 Furlongs 7. Lily Bird Rajiv Maragh 3.80/ 2.80/ 2.10 3. I Love Venezuela Luis Fuenmayor 3.60/ 2.40 4. Venezuelan Flower Cipriano Gil 2.60 $1 Daily Double (5-7) $20.80; $1 E (7-3) $7.90; $0.10 S (7-3-4-2) $5.77; $0.50 T (7-3-4) $9.65. 4TH--6 Furlongs Dirt 7. Militia Jose E. Morelos 4.40/ 2.80/ 2.20 6. Mary Marguerite Miguel Angel Vasquez 4.60/ 3.60 3. Andreina D Yolber Torres 5.40 $1 DD (7-7) $5.00; $1 E (7-6) $8.90; $0.10 S (7-6-3-4) $19.47; $0.50 T (7-6-3) $25.05. 5TH--1 1/16th Miles 4. First Shot Fired Luca Panici 9.40/ 4.60/ 2.80 1. Will of a Warrior Edwin Gonzalez 6.60/ 3.60 6. Always True Leonel Reyes 3.00 $1 DD (7-4) $9.70; $1 E (4-1) $24.30; $0.10 S (4-1-6-3) $61.83; $0.50 T (4-1-6) $37.65. 6TH--1 1/16th Miles 1. Rogers Park Yolber Torres 5.40/ 4.00/ 3.20 5. Mi Mitole Girl Edgar Perez 5.80/ 4.00 8. It's Just a Game Juan C. Rodriguez 3.80 $1 DD (4-1) $18.60; $1 E (1-5) $13.40; $0.10 S (1-5-8-2) $75.67; $0.50 T (1-5-8) $27.50. 7TH--6 Furlongs Dirt 6. Red Hot Spark Luis Fuenmayor 23.80/ 8.20/ 4.80 1. Noble Dreamer Yolber Torres 6.60/ 5.40 4. Madness Heriberto Figueroa 4.00 $1 DD (1-6) $33.50; $1 E (6-1) $81.10; $0.10 S (6-1-4-5) $261.06; $0.50 T (6-1-4) $160.75. 8TH--1 Mile Turf 6. Dear Dad Edwin Gonzalez 4.80/ 2.40/ 2.10 3. Rotterdam Edgard J. Zayas 2.60/ 2.10 8. Themanupfront Miguel Angel Vasquez 3.40 $1 DD (6-6) $27.50; $1 E (6-3) $4.80; $0.10 S (6-3-8-2) $3.76; $0.50 T (6-3-8) $7.15. 9TH--1 Mile 70 Yards 2. Cosmic Speculation Edgard J. Zayas 15.20/ 9.00/ 6.60 9. Remerton Jesus M. Rios 7.60/ 5.60 3. Rock the Stars Cipriano Gil 3.60 $1 DD (6-2) $28.20; $1 E (2-9) $81.50; $0.10 S (2-9-3-8) $116.34; $0.50 T (2-9-3) $219.55. 10TH--6 Furlongs Dirt 8. Uncaptured Warrior Edgard J. Zayas 3.60/ 2.60/ 2.40 5. Centrodelantero Marcos Meneses 5.20/ 3.20 2. The Golden Gorilla Jose E. Morelos 4.80 $1 DD (2-8) $12.90; $1 E (8-5) $8.50; $0.10 S (8-5-2-7) $18.23; $0.50 T (8-5-2) $27.20. 11TH--1 1/16th Miles Turf 5. Tinta Roja Luis Fuenmayor 5.40/ 3.40/ 2.80 8. Money Bouquet Jesus M. Rios 9.20/ 7.20 2. Chill Bean Jonathan Ocasio 10.20 $1 DD (8-5) $7.60; $1 E (5-8) $24.10; $0.10 S (5-8-2-10) $244.36; $0.50 T (5-8-2) $226.25.

Associated Press

44 minutes ago

• Associated Press

Top Entertainment Options in Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki: What Travelers Need to Know About Things To Do

Travelers Seek Safe, High-Quality Experiences — Here's How One Magic Show is Standing Out Among Honolulu's Best Things to Do 'One Clear Winner of the People's Choice: While Honolulu boasts four magic shows, one stands out with thousands of consistent 5-star reviews on both TripAdvisor and Google: The Magical Mystery Show!'— John Goodman HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES, June 22, 2025 / / -- With so many activities competing for attention in Waikiki — from boat cruises and luaus to live music and magic shows — visitors to Oahu often struggle to choose wisely. While glossy brochures and social media ads promise unforgettable evenings, the reality can sometimes fall short. Safety concerns, unexpected costs, or underwhelming experiences have prompted travelers to seek trusted reviews and verified recommendations. A closer look at popular entertainment options reveals both opportunities and red flags: Luaus: Know What You're Paying For Many Oahu luaus have faced rising costs, leading to reduced food quality and scaled-back offerings. Guests report that while some shows still impress, the dining experience may disappoint. Some, like MELE Luau, offer a lower-cost 'show-only' ticket option for budget-conscious visitors. Rock-A-Hula adds a rock-and-roll twist with an Elvis impersonator, though volume levels are high, and some walking is required. Always check parking costs, terrain, and mobility access before booking. Live Music: Blue Note Honolulu Remains a Trusted Option Located in the heart of Waikiki, Blue Note Honolulu continues to offer world-class music performances in a safe, upscale environment. With show-only or food-included ticket options, it remains a solid pick for couples and music lovers. Upcoming performers and tickets are available at Boat Cruises: Weather and Seasickness Are Real Considerations Sunset cruises can be breathtaking — but also unpredictable. Many operate in open ocean, not calm harbors, and seasickness is a common complaint. Rain or wind can lead to last-minute cancellations. Travelers are advised to book same-day, weather-dependent, when possible. While Ko Olina Ocean Adventures receives strong reviews, others like Star of Honolulu can exceed $200 per person. Magic & Comedy: The Magical Mystery Show! Takes Top Honors Among several Oahu magic shows priced under $99, one performance consistently outranks the rest. The Magical Mystery Show!, located at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, is currently rated the #1 Theater and Nightlife Experience in Honolulu on Tripadvisor. Housed in an ornate, Victorian-Hawaiian theatre with valet access, the show stars Shoot Ogawa, a Grand Champion of Magic internationally renowned for close-up illusions and engaging comedy. Audience members consistently describe the experience as 'astonishing,' 'interactive,' and 'unlike anything else on the island.' With adult tickets ranging from $69 to $89 and children's tickets starting at $49, it's a family-friendly favorite that combines world-class entertainment with luxury, comfort, and convenience. For official details and best pricing, visit Circus and Acrobat-Themed Events: Scale and Expectations While national-brand circus acts are present in Oahu, they are generally smaller in scope than their mainland counterparts. Some visitors are surprised by the modest scale and intimate setting. Full clown makeup may be unsettling for children. Check production size and visuals in advance to avoid surprises. Travel Tips for Safer Entertainment Choices in Waikiki: • Book day-of for outdoor events to avoid cancellations due to rain or wind. • Choose venues with valet or on-property access to minimize walking at night. • Bring rain ponchos and extra clothes for luaus without covered seating. • Read online reviews and check for consistent safety and quality feedback. Conclusion: Honolulu's Best Things to Do Include a Clear Standout While Oahu offers many entertainment choices, not all are created equal. For a safe, intimate, and world-class performance consistently praised by audiences worldwide, The Magical Mystery Show! continues to set the standard. Whether planning a romantic night out, a family activity, or a one-of-a-kind magical experience, visitors can count on this highly rated performance as one of the best things to do in Waikiki, Honolulu, and all of Oahu. For more information, visit or search 'Best Magic Show Oahu' online. John Goodman Hawaii Dining and Entertainment Magazine email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.