Emotional & Relationship Terms
Words for the feelings and dynamics unique to non-monogamous relationships.
In short
Emotional and relationship terms help name feelings unique to non-monogamy: compersion is joy at your partner’s pleasure with someone else (often called the opposite of jealousy), NRE is the euphoric "new relationship energy" of a fresh connection, and drop is an emotional or physical low that can follow intense experiences.
Key takeaways
- •These terms help name complex feelings
- •Compersion is often considered the opposite of jealousy
- •Understanding these concepts helps process experiences
- •Every person experiences these differently
Positive Feelings
Compersion
The feeling of joy when your partner experiences pleasure or happiness with someone else. Often described as the opposite of jealousy.
NRE (New Relationship Energy)
The exciting, euphoric feeling that comes with a new connection. Similar to the "honeymoon phase" of traditional relationships.
Challenging Feelings
Jealousy
Fear of losing something you have. Common and manageable with communication and self-work.
Envy
Wanting something someone else has. Different from jealousy, which is about fearing loss.
Drop (Subdrop)
Emotional and/or physical low that can occur after intense experiences. Caused by hormonal changes.
Relationship Concepts
Primary/Secondary
Terms used in some polyamorous relationships to describe relationship hierarchy. Not all poly relationships use this model.
Kitchen Table Poly
A polyamory style where all partners are comfortable socializing together, like sitting around a kitchen table.
Parallel Poly
Polyamory style where partners maintain separate relationships that don't interact much.
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