Compersion

Compersion is a term commonly used in polyamorous and other non-monogamous relationships to describe the feeling of joy, satisfaction, or emotional warmth someone experiences when a partner finds romantic or sexual fulfillment with others. Compersion is often described as the opposite of jealousy, though the two feelings are not mutually exclusive and can exist at the same time or in different situations. A person may feel happy for a partner’s connections with others while still experiencing insecurity, longing, or jealousy in other moments. People who experience compersion may be described as compersive. Compersion reflects a wish for someone you care about to be happy and fulfilled, even when that fulfillment comes from relationships outside of your own. It is most often discussed in the context of polyamory and ethical non-monogamy, but the emotional experience itself is not limited to any one relationship structure.