Dating for an Asexual
Have you ever heard of asexuality? For those who don’t know, asexuality is a sexual orientation where a person is not sexually attracted to anyone.
That’s right, not even one person. And while it might seem like it would make dating easier, it actually comes with a set of unique challenges.
What is Asexual?
Before we dive into the world of dating for asexuals, let’s first take a moment to understand what asexual really means. Sexual attraction is a natural and common experience for most people, but for asexuals, it is not.
This does not mean that asexual people do not get into romantic relationships, but instead, they seek out romantic partners who are understanding of their lack of interest in sex.
For most people, dating comes with the expectation of sex at some point in the relationship. For asexual people, sex is not a priority in their romantic relationships.
Instead, they value emotional intimacy, non-sexual physical touch, and meaningful conversations. When dating as an asexual person, it’s important to find a partner who understands and respects your orientation.
Seeking out asexual partners can be reassuring for some, as it eliminates the stress of feeling pressured to have sex. However, finding asexual partners can be difficult, as asexuality only accounts for about 1% of the population.
Challenges for Asexual People in the Dating World
Lonely
One of the biggest challenges asexual people face in the dating world is loneliness. Feeling isolated and misunderstood can be difficult, especially when you are trying to navigate the dating world.
With only 1% of the population identifying as asexual, asexual people can sometimes feel like they are the only ones who are experiencing a lack of sexual attraction.
Feeling Fake
When societal expectations are centered around sexual attraction and physical intimacy, asexual people can sometimes feel like they are pretending or faking their way through relationships. They might feel like they are expected to be interested in sex, even though they are not.
This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of being exposed as a fraud.
Lack of Understanding
Asexual people often face a lack of understanding from others. Sexual attraction is a common experience, and many people struggle to conceptualize a world in which someone is not attracted to others.
This lack of understanding can lead to offensive or hurtful comments from others, and can make it difficult for asexuals to feel accepted in society.
Perceived One-Sided Relationship
The absence of sex in a romantic relationship can sometimes be interpreted as a one-sided relationship, with the asexual partner not contributing as much to the relationship as the sexual partner. This perception can be hurtful to asexuals, who value emotional intimacy and non-sexual physical touch just as much as any other romantic partner.
Hurtful
Lack of understanding and a lack of acceptance can be hurtful for asexuals. As sexual attraction is so commonly experienced, being invalidated or minimized can leave asexuals feeling insecure and hurt.
It’s important to remember that the experiences of asexuals are valid, and should be respected and understood.
Unsatisfying
For some asexual people, a lack of sexual attraction can lead to a dissatisfaction in romantic relationships. Despite the emotional and physical intimacy that they might share with a partner, the absence of sexual attraction can lead to mental dissatisfaction and a feeling of unfulfillment.
Confusing
The conceptualization of sexual attraction is a common experience for most people, so it can be difficult for sexual people to understand the asexual experience. This can lead to confusion and frustration for both sexual and asexual people alike.
Annoying
For asexual people, attempts by others to “fix” them by assuming that something is wrong can be both annoying and frustrating. It’s important for others to understand that asexuality is a valid orientation and not something that needs to be fixed.
Enlightening at Times
While there are certainly challenges that asexuals face in the dating world, there are also enlightening moments. The understanding of asexuality is increasing, and it’s becoming more common for people to understand and accept asexuals as valid members of society.
This understanding can lead to meaningful conversations and increased acceptance of non-sexual aspects of romantic relationships.
Overall Rewarding
Despite the challenges, asexuals can find love and acceptance in romantic relationships. It’s important for asexuals to seek out partners who respect and understand their orientation, and for others to accept and validate their experiences.
In doing so, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world for all. In conclusion, being asexual in the dating world comes with its unique set of challenges.
However, understanding what asexuality is and respecting it as a valid sexual orientation is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society. By acknowledging the experiences of asexuals, we can create meaningful conversations and increase acceptance of non-sexual aspects of romantic relationships.
Ultimately, the importance of love, acceptance, and non-sexual connection cannot be understated, and it’s up to all of us to create a world where asexuals are accepted and respected the same way every other sexual orientation is.
