The present invention relates to aqueous stable, preferably concentrated, aqueous liquid textile softening compositions comprising fabric softener active and cationic polymer in the continuous aqueous phase to provide improved softening. The compositions of the present invention preferably contain diester quaternary ammonium compounds wherein the fatty acyl groups have an Iodine Value of from greater than about 5 to less than about 140. The cationic polymers can provide additional benefits such as dye transfer inhibition, chlorine scavenging to protect fabrics, cotton soil release benefits, etc.