I have seen this too, but with the genders the other way around. She wanted variety, he did not, but because he wanted her he agreed, and died quietly inside.

I have seen this too, but with the genders the other way around. She wanted variety, he did not, but because he wanted her he agreed, and died quietly inside. I've also seen poly people who were all into it equally, with various partners, not all of whom were shared amongst each other, if you get my meaning. I think if everyone is into the idea ahead of time then it can work for those involved. AFAICT it varies a lot, and while we shouldn't generalise about all poly relationships, I think it's fair to say that some are the suffering-in-silence kind. But then you can say that about most relationship types.