Two couples ended their marriages after several years so they could form a group of four, taking advantage of new regulations that acknowledge the increasing diversity of relationships in modern times.

While polyamory, also known as ethical non-monogamy, has existed for some time, the notion of a romantic relationship involving more than two individuals has gained greater acceptance in recent years.

The passing of the first-ever domestic partnership ordinance for multiple partners in Somerville, Massachusetts is evidence of the growing recognition that individuals in polyamorous relationships were unable to access benefits like health insurance for their partners.

Rachel and Kyle Wright were the starting point for a polycule, which is a linked network of individuals in non-monogamous relationships, that embraced these inclusive concepts.

In 2019, after being married for a few years, the couple chose to delve into the realm of polyamory.

During an interview with Insider, Rachel, a 34-year-old family therapist for married couples who resides in New York, disclosed that she and Kyle had been intrigued by the concept since they began their relationship.

"But because our society is so mono-normative, I didn't really have the courage to say, 'Yes, this is what I want,' and neither did Kyle," she said.

Once they made the decision to explore polyamory, they fully immersed themselves by downloading the Feeld app, which caters to those seeking alternative forms of dating, and also by listening to podcasts related to the topic.

After they began dating other individuals, Rachel, who identifies as bisexual, revealed that Kyle also publicly came out as bisexual.

She added: "I found so much joy in watching Kyle blossom, and was feeling more and more like myself. It was just so fun."

Although the pandemic disrupted their plans, Rachel and Kyle continued to date online, which ultimately introduced them to Yair Lenchner and Ashley Giddens, a married couple.

The four individuals hit it off, and when pandemic-related restrictions were lifted, they went on socially-distanced dates before combining their social circles.

The group took turns hosting date nights at their respective homes, and even though Kyle and Yair were not romantically involved, their bond grew stronger with each hangout. Rachel described it as a "whirlwind" experience.

Approximately 18 months after their initial meeting, the four individuals agreed to live together, adopting a puppy and establishing a household chore schedule. They lived as a family unit.

Despite their strong polycule dynamic, they came to the realization that their marriages were not providing them with certain benefits. For example, Rachel and Kyle were contributing towards Yair and Ashley's mortgage payments without accruing any equity themselves.

Consequently, they enlisted the assistance of Diana Adams, a lawyer and executive director of the Chosen Family Law Center, who has been a leading figure in the development of laws pertaining to domestic partnerships involving multiple partners.

Despite the absence of a similar ordinance in New York, the two couples made the decision to divorce in order to move closer to gaining recognition as a polycule.

By doing so, they became eligible to be listed separately on a cohabitation agreement.

Adams explained: "With domestic partnerships, you don't entangle your finances like marriage. In some ways, I think that's a good thing."

Regrettably, Kyle has since parted ways with the foursome, but it was a mutual decision, according to them. Rachel shared on Instagram that Kyle wants to focus on self-improvement and discover his true self.

"Is this permanent? I don't know. Maybe," she said.

"But, for now, and for the foreseeable future, Kyle will be living in Brooklyn and Yair, Ash and I are going to stay at our house."