Ah, compersion, the elusive, unicorn like feeling that every polyamorous person aspires to. If you’ve ever experienced that warm glow of happiness when your partner is off having fun with someone else, instead of hiding under the bed with a bag of chips and Netflix, congratulations, you’ve tapped into compersion. In polyamory, it’s the emotional equivalent of cheering your partner on as they enjoy another relationship, without feeling the need to launch a jealous coup.

But let’s be real, compersion is a bit of a tricky beast. It’s not always the default emotion, especially when you’ve been conditioned by a lifetime of rom coms to believe that love is all about “finding the one” and holding on for dear life. Polyamory challenges that notion by saying, “Hey, maybe there’s more than one ‘one’?” and then expects you to feel good about it. Easy, right? Spoiler alert, not always.

In this article we’ll break down what compersion is, why it’s hard sometimes and most importantly, how you can make it easier to high five your partner as they gallop off into the sunset with someone else.

So, What Exactly Is Compersion?

Think of compersion as the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when your best friend wins the lottery except instead of money, your partner’s winning love, affection and let’s be honest, probably some very fun dates. You’re genuinely happy for them, even if you’re not directly involved.

It’s like watching someone eat cake and being happy that they’re enjoying it, even if you didn’t get a slice. But in polyamory, it’s deeper than just passive acceptance, it’s about actively finding joy in your partner’s happiness, knowing that love isn’t a zero sum game. Who knew love could be like the cake in “Mythbusters”, it’s actually infinite.

Now, before you break out the balloons and streamers to celebrate your partner’s latest love interest, let’s talk about the challenges.
Because despite the sunshine and rainbows vision of compersion, it doesn’t come without its roadblocks.

The Challenges of Compersion
Or, “Why It’s Hard Not to Throw a Tantrum Sometimes”

Jealousy, Insecurity and the Green Eyed Monster

Picture this, your partner texts you to say they’re having an amazing time with someone new. Your brain immediately responds with, “Yay for them!” right? Yeah, sometimes. Other times, it’s more like, “Oh no, what if they like that person way more than me? What if they realize they’ve been settling and run off to start a new life?” Cue, the Green-Eyed Monster.

Jealousy is a natural and normal human emotion and it has a nasty habit of creeping in when we least expect it. Even the most compersive person can have a jealous meltdown when insecurities start whispering in their ear.

Solution

First, breathe. Jealousy isn’t an evil villain you need to banish, it’s just a signal that something deeper is happening. Have a heart to heart with yourself first. What’s really going on? Are you feeling left out? Unappreciated? Or is it simply that society drilled into your head that love should be exclusive? Talk to your partner about it. Nine times out of ten, the reality isn’t as scary as the story you’re telling yourself.

The Baggage of Monogamy

Society tells us that true love is exclusive. From childhood, we’ve been spoon fed stories where “happily ever after” means one person, forever, end of story. So when you’re trying to feel compersion in a polyamorous setup, you’re basically undoing a lifetime of conditioning. No big deal right?

Solution

You have to remind yourself that love is not a limited resource like the last slice of pizza at a party. It’s more like a never ending pizza buffet you can always make more! Surround yourself with poly positive resources like books, podcasts and communities where people understand this stuff. The more you immerse yourself in alternative narratives about love, the easier it becomes to shrug off monogamy baggage.

The Fear of Being Replaced

Okay, this is a big one. What if they fall head over heels in love with this new person and suddenly forget you exist? What if they realize this new partner is more fun, smarter or has a better Netflix queue? Many have been there and trust me, the fear of being replaced is very real.

Solution

Reinforce your connection with your partner. Regular check ins and reassurance go a long way. Your partner is with you for a reason and it’s not just because you’re great at picking dinner spots. Communicate openly about your needs and fears and set up rituals or special moments that make your relationship feel rock solid. Remember, polyamory isn’t a competition it’s about expansion, not replacement.

Time Management Or, “But What About Me?”

Ah, time the ultimate limited resource. When your partner is spending hours, or days with someone else, it’s easy to feel like you’re getting the short end of the stick. Suddenly, their schedule looks like a Tetris game and you’re wondering where you fit in.

Solution

Get ahead of the scheduling madness by communicating your needs. Maybe you need a specific day set aside for just the two of you, or perhaps a quick text during their date helps you feel connected. Time management in polyamory is like juggling, but with some planning, no one has to feel like they’re dropping the ball.

How to Embrace Compersion Without Losing Your Mind

Celebrate Their Wins

When your partner comes home all starry eyed from a great date, resist the urge to throw a pity party. Instead, try to feel happy for them. It’s like rooting for them at a game they’re winning. Even if you’re not playing, you can cheer from the sidelines and genuinely feel joy for their experience.

Take Care of Yourself

Self care is your best friend in polyamory. Whether that means scheduling a date night with yourself, diving into your favorite hobby or binge watching a series that only you enjoy, taking time for yourself helps soothe any emotional wobbles that might come up. The happier and more fulfilled you are, the easier it is to feel compersion.

Talk It Out

Compersion doesn’t magically happen overnight. You and your partner will have bumps along the way, so don’t be afraid to have the tough conversations. Feeling weird? Bring it up. Struggling with jealousy? Talk about it. Open, honest communication is the rocket fuel for polyamory and compersion can’t exist without it.

Remember the Fun of Polyamory

Sometimes, when jealousy or insecurity hits, it helps to take a step back and remember why you chose polyamory in the first place. Whether it’s the adventure, the new connections or the freedom to explore love in all its forms, keeping the bigger picture in mind can make the day to day challenges feel more manageable.

Compersion, the Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had

Compersion is a superpower, one that takes time, patience and a lot of self awareness to develop. It’s not always easy and you’re definitely allowed to have your off days, or weeks. But with communication, trust and a little humor, compersion can add a whole new layer of joy to your relationships.

Remember, love isn’t like cake where there’s only one slice to go around, it’s more like a bottomless mimosa brunch. There’s plenty for everyone and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy the process, too.

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