What is Compersion?

Why is it radical?

Compersion depends on viewing other people as intrinsically autonomous and self-determined—and celebrating their own unique path to fulfillment. This might not seem radical when we feel happy for a friend getting a promotion at work, a family member reaching a fitness goal, or a child delighting in learning how to walk.

Why does it matter?

Learning about compersion can benefit people in all types of relationships. Whether one is in a consensually non-monogamous relationship (a designation that includes polyamory, open relationships, swinging, relationship anarchy, and others) or not, compersion conveys to another person that we genuinely support them on their chosen path to wellbeing.

How does one cultivate compersion?

My research has revealed the specific factors that promote and hinder compersion for consensually non-monogamous individuals. This dissertation is the most comprehensive piece of writing published to date on the topic of compersion, as it contains a thorough background of the literature, interview transcripts of real people’s compersion stories, and a practical map to understanding what invites vs.