What Is Compersion?: Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships

What is compersion? Is it the "opposite" of jealousy, as it is usually believed? Is it an emotion or a behavior? What causes it to arise and bloom? Can we "learn" compersion or invite more of it into our lives?

Based on her seminal research with consensually non-monogamous (CNM) individuals, Dr. Marie Thouin unravels these questions and more in the first-ever book to offer a comprehensive model of compersion and a practical road map to cultivating it. Each chapter features compelling stories from real CNM people, making this a captivating and highly applicable read. In addition, Thouin addresses the broader social context, explaining how understanding compersion is a groundbreaking step toward a world that supports relational diversity and freedom. By disrupting the idea that jealousy is the only valid response to intimacy beyond monogamy, the existence and practice of compersion builds the foundation for a completely new paradigm of loving relationships. This book and its conclusions have profound implications for many fields of study and practice including psychology, sexuality studies, philosophy and ethics, and law. Indispensable for CNM individuals, therapists, counselors, and scholars, this book is also invaluable for anyone curious to learn about positive empathy, intentional relationships, and radical love.

Marie Thouin, PhD is the author of What Is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships, the first-ever comprehensive scholarly book on compersion. She has been featured in several magazines and podcasts, including ELLE, the Savage Lovecast, and Multiamory. Thouin has also published seminal research studies, the first encyclopedia entry on compersion, and is the creator of www.whatiscompersion.com, a popular website that features her research, blogs, media appearances, and a list of resources on the topic of compersion. Founder of Love InSight, a mindful dating and relationship coaching practice, Dr. Thouin supports and guides people of all backgrounds and relational orientations to create intentional and vibrant love lives.