A composition for softening an absorbent tissue having from about 10% to about 60% by weight of a quaternary ammonium softening active ingredient; free amine compounds at a level such that the softening composition has a tertiary to quaternary amine ratio of greater than about 0.06 and less than about 0.2; an aqueous vehicle in which said softening active ingredient is dispersed; and from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of a high polymer; wherein the high polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of from about 2,000,000 to about 25,000,000.