In a world where love is often confined to rigid structures, Aria Diana and Skye Arun challenge the norm. Aria, a trauma-informed relationship coach and author of Navigating Non-Monogamy with Aria Diana, helps individuals cultivate self-awareness and deeper relationships. Skye, an award-winning film director, photographer, and music producer, has brought his creative vision to brands like Nike, The New York Times, and Red Bull.

Together, they’ve built a relationship grounded in trust, curiosity, and an ever-expanding view of love. Their journey into non-monogamy isn’t about having multiple partners—it’s about deepening their connection to themselves and each other. In this conversation, they share their love story, the rituals that keep them strong, and insights into practicing love with intention.

Q: Your connection seems effortless, almost as if you recognized each other before you even met. How did your love story begin?

A: Our paths crossed through storytelling and a shared curiosity about the world. With dueling careers in journalism—her as a writer, him as a photojournalist—it felt like we were writing chapters of the same book before we even met.

What truly connected us was realizing we were both raised in pacifist Quaker communities, learning to listen for wisdom in silence. From the start, it felt like we had been speaking the same language before we even exchanged words. There was this instant recognition—Oh, there you are. I’ve been waiting for you.

Q: What qualities do you admire most in each other—things that would be hard to find in another partner?

A: We cherish the deep emotional and self-growth work that has become the foundation of our relationship.

Aria admires Skye’s ability to remain calm in uncertainty, a skill honed from his time as an EMT. He holds space for big emotions in a way that makes the world feel softer. She also loves how he finds meaning in life’s quiet moments, turning the ordinary into something sacred.

Skye admires Aria’s fearless heart, her courage to create, and her unwavering belief that love isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you practice. He’s in awe of her ability to turn ideas into reality and the way she shares her wisdom so generously.

Q: When did you decide to open your relationship, and how did that evolve?

A: It began on one of our first dates in 2012. Over candlelit drinks, Aria admitted she’d always been curious about dating women but hadn’t explored it. Skye encouraged her, asking, “Well… is there anyone you’re attracted to?” Turns out, there was—and Skye thought she was hot too! A few flirty nights later, we had our first threesome, opening the door to something new.

San Francisco in 2017 changed everything. We found a vibrant community of non-monogamous friends who introduced us to concepts like compersion, metamours, and kitchen table polyamory. Looking back, it doesn’t feel like we ‘opened’ our relationship—it feels like we grew into it, hand in hand, heart in heart.

Q: Non-monogamy brings growth but also challenges. What were the biggest lessons from your first year?

A:
✅ Pros:

• Freedom to express our desires authentically.
• A richer network of love and support.
• More intentional communication.

⚠️ Challenges:
• Navigating jealousy and insecurity with patience.
• Time management—balancing multiple relationships takes planning.
• Facing external judgment from those who don’t understand.

Q: With multiple connections, how do you maintain confidence in your bond, especially when one of you is on a date with someone else?

A: We remind ourselves that their joy isn’t a threat—it reflects the love we share. Seeing each other light up with someone else doesn’t diminish what we have; it adds warmth to our connection.

We also lean on rituals—sending a sweet note before a date or planning something nourishing for ourselves. Whether it’s a cozy bath, a favorite movie, or time with friends, we fill our own cups so love feels abundant, not scarce.

Q: For people curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start, what advice would you give?

A: Start with your ‘why.’ Non-monogamy isn’t a fix for a struggling relationship—it’s about expanding love, not patching up cracks.

Expect growing pains, but don’t fear them. Learn to self-regulate, build emotional literacy, and communicate clearly—assumptions are the enemy of connection. And don’t forget to celebrate the joy, growth, and new ways of loving that make it all worthwhile.

Q: Aria, your work now helps others navigate non-monogamy. How did this path emerge for you?

A: Initially, non-monogamy was just a personal journey, but I realized most struggles weren’t about non-monogamy itself—they were about how we were taught to love.

I combined my passions—somatics, emotional regulation, and communication—to help people create nourishing, intentional relationships. What started as a shift in my own life became a calling—to help others not just survive non-monogamy, but thrive in love and connection.

Q: Looking back, what would you tell yourselves at the start of your relationship?

A: Love deeply, but don’t hold too tightly. Your relationship will evolve, and that’s something to embrace, not fear. Growth means change, and that’s a sign you’re still learning, expanding, and becoming more of who you’re meant to be.

Q: What rituals or activities keep your connection strong?

A:
• Daily walks—time to dream, decompress, and connect without distractions.
• Creative collaborations—sharing projects in their rawest form before they’re polished.
• Silent presence—morning meditations and quiet, cozy mornings.
• Adventures—trying new things together, keeping life full of excitement and wonder.

Q: If you had to describe your relationship in one sentence, what would it be?

A: "More love is more love."

Love isn’t about ownership—it’s about expansion. Non-monogamy has shown us that love isn’t a limited resource; it’s infinite when nurtured with intention. The connections we form don’t take away from us—they enrich us, challenge us, and invite us to grow.

Q: How would you complete this phrase: "Why Don’t We ______?"

A: "Why Don’t We Practice Love Like an Art Form?"

Love isn’t a fixed state—it’s something we co-create every day. Like art, it requires care, curiosity, and a willingness to color outside the lines. Instead of following a script, we should explore, make mistakes, and discover new shades of connection we never knew existed.

Final Thoughts

Aria and Skye’s journey is a testament to the idea that love is not about limitation, but expansion. Their story challenges traditional narratives, proving that relationships thrive on trust, communication, and an open heart.

For those curious about non-monogamy, their advice is simple—approach it with intention, embrace challenges as growth, and communicate with honesty. Their relationship is an ever-evolving journey shaped by curiosity, connection, and the courage to love beyond the expected.

As Aria beautifully puts it: “Love isn’t a cage—it’s a garden. Give it space, air, and sunlight, and watch it bloom in ways you never imagined.” 🌿✨