In romantic relationships, we are often taught to believe in the exclusivity of love. However, there is a growing recognition that love can be a complex and multifaceted emotion, giving rise to a phenomenon known as “compersion.” Coined by the polyamorous community, compersion is the feeling of joy, happiness, and even excitement one experiences when their partner forms a deep connection with someone else. It starkly contrasts jealousy and possessiveness, promoting a sense of emotional abundance and openness within relationships. If you’re curious whether you might be experiencing compersion, here are some signs to look out for:
Image Credit: Pexels/Sự Minh
Genuine Happiness For Your Partner’s Joy
One of the primary indicators of comparison is the ability to genuinely feel happy for your partner when they connect with someone new. Instead of judging, threatening or envious, you support their emotional growth and relish in their newfound joy, irrespective of your involvement.
Absence Of Jealousy
In traditional relationships, jealousy can often rear its head when a partner shows interest in someone else. However, individuals experiencing compersion find themselves essentially free from these feelings. They understand their partner’s love and affection for others do not diminish their worth or importance.
Appreciation For NRE
NRE, or New Relationship Energy, refers to the euphoria and excitement that comes with the beginning stages of a new romantic relationship. Compersion allows you to appreciate and even celebrate your partner’s experience of NRE with another person, recognizing that it enhances their overall emotional well-being.
Image Credit: Pexels/Trinity Kubassek
Supportive Communication
Communication is vital in any relationship, and compersion fosters an open and supportive dialogue. If you find yourself engaging in honest conversations with your partner about their other connections and offering encouragement, it may be a sign that compersion is present.
Feeling Emotionally Fulfilled
Rather than feeling threatened or emotionally drained by the presence of other partners, individuals experiencing compersion often report feeling emotionally fulfilled and secure within the relationship. They recognize that love is not a finite resource and that their partner’s connections can strengthen their bond, not weaken it.