Plurality FAQ

What is plurality, anyway?

Short answer: Have you ever gotten into an argument with yourself and somehow managed to lose? That.

Long answer: Plurality is a phenomenon where multiple distinct personalities coexist within a single body. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't. Some systems are born from trauma, others just sorta happen. Being plural is an experience that varies wildly from system to system. But the important commonalities is that each system member is just as real as the host.

Should I be worried?

We appreciate your concern. We're sure you have the best of intentions, but being plural isn't inherently good or bad. It's just another way of existing.

But what about Split/Mr. Robot/<insert mainstream media representation here>?

As usual, Hollywood lied to you. Being plural does not necessitate an "evil alter" scenario. They can exist, sure, but they're much rarer than you might expect. In our experience, most plural systems we've encountered get along well with others, no matter who's in front.

What terms should I use when talking about plural friends? (Glossary)

Whatever terms they ask you to. That said, here's a few common terms you're likely to come across:

Host: The system member that is in front most often. Typically the one who was there since birth.
Headmate/System Member/Alter: A distinct personality within a plural system. To our knowledge, there's no maximum system size.
Little: A system member that is under 18 years old, mentally speaking. Note that body age, mental age, and headmate age are all independent of each other.
Front: If someone is "in front" or "fronting", it means they're in control of the phsyical body. Multiple people can be in front at once, sharing control. This is called "co-fronting", "co-piloting", "co-consciousness", etc.
Headspace/Dreamscape: A shared mental environment where headmates go when they're not actively fronting. Note that not every system has a headspace.
Traumagenic: Describes a system whose origin is based in trauma. Please exercise caution.
Hatchday: The day that a system realized they were plural or became plural. Some systems celebrate these like birthdays, others don't. Can also describe the day that a particular headmate showed up.
Headspeak: A non-verbal, thought-based communication between system members. Very common when first becoming plural. Can usually be translated into verbal language, but may require some interpretation.

What's it like being plural?

Unfortunately, we can't answer that. Just as there are many different kinds of people, there are also many different kinds of plural systems. We can only speak for ourselves, and the systems you know personally probably have wildly different experiences. If you're curious, ask the systems you come in contact with on a regular basis. Be gentle, be sympathetic, and above all, keep an open mind.

What about you+ specifically?

See: The rest of our online presence. We're open about our plurality, and we post about it often, especially on the Fediverse.

I think I might be plural myself. Help!

First and foremost, remain calm. Plurality isn't inherently a bad thing. Your attitude towards your potential headmates will dictate how they act around you. Remember, headmates have feelings too.

We encourage you to study plurality, making sure to keep an open mind. Take a look at the "Further Reading" section below. Keep in mind that your experience may differ from what you hear from other systems. Just focus on finding what works best for you+.

This will be a slow learning process, as you and your headmates learn how to coexist. Be patient. Give yourself time to adjust. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

My question isn't covered here.

We applaud your inquisitive nature!

Please read through the links in the "Further Reading" section above, they might have the answers you seek. If you still can't find an answer, reach out to your plural friends. Remember: Every plural system is different, so any answer you find may not apply perfectly to a given system. Just keep an open mind and treat each system and system member with respect.