Understanding Aromanticism: What It Is and What It Isn’t
Have you ever heard the term “aromantic” and thought, “What does that even mean?” If so, you’re not alone. Aromanticism is a relatively new concept that’s only starting to gain wider recognition.
In this article, we’ll dive into what it means to be aromantic, debunk some common myths, and explore what the love life of an aromantic looks like. So, let’s get started!
What is Aromanticism?
Simply put, aromanticism is a romantic orientation where a person doesn’t experience romantic attraction or desire romantic relationships. This is different from sexual orientation, which refers to a person’s sexual attraction to others.
Someone who is aromantic might still experience sexual attraction, a.k.a. they are asexual, but there’s no emotional pull towards another person. Aromanticism Vs. Asexuality
Aromanticism and asexuality often get mixed up because many people assume that if someone isn’t interested in romance, they must not be interested in sex either.
However, that’s not always the case. Aromantics still have sexual desires; they just don’t feel the same emotional need for romance that others might.
On the other hand, someone who is asexual might not feel sexually attracted to others but still experience romantic emotions.
Aromantic Myths Debunked
Now that we’ve covered the basic definition of aromanticism, it’s time to dispel some common myths associated with it. One of the biggest myths is that aromantics can’t have families or meaningful relationships.
That’s simply not true. Aromantic people can still have close bonds with family members, friends, and even pets.
Just because they don’t experience romantic attraction doesn’t mean they’re incapable of forming deep, lasting connections. Another myth is that aromantics are emotionally cold or incapable of experiencing physical affection.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Aromantics may still enjoy cuddling, holding hands, and other forms of physical touch.
They just don’t experience the same romantic feelings that others might associate with those actions.
Common Characteristics of Being Aromantic
Aromantics might find it hard to relate to some typical aspects of popular culture, like romantic movies or Valentine’s Day. They might not feel that familiar flutter of excitement, aka butterflies, when they see someone they find attractive, nor do they experience a “crush” the way others do.
Instead, many aromantics prioritize building intimate platonic and familial relationships that give them the companionship and support that others might find in a romantic partner.
Love Life of an Aromantic
It’s only natural to wonder what the love life of an aromantic might look like. One thing that’s important to understand is that many people will try to “fix” or change aromantics, thinking they just haven’t met the right person yet.
This can be frustrating and hurtful for aromantics, who might feel like they’re constantly being told that they’re wrong or broken somehow. Another issue they might face is that many people simply won’t understand or might take their asexuality personally, leading to relationship problems.
On the other hand, aromantics might end up dating other aromantics, finding partners who understand them on a deep level. They might still experience sexual attraction and enjoy “hooking up,” but for them, it’s more about the physical pleasure than any emotional connection.
They might also still enjoy cuddling and other forms of physical touch, even if they’re not interested in a romantic relationship. For some aromantics, they might not have any kind of love life at all.
They might not feel the need for a life partner or serious relationship and instead prioritize building strong friendships and bonds with their family. Dating can still be an option for aromantics, but they might have to go through a lot of trial and error to find a successful relationship, putting in just as much work as anyone else when it comes to the romantic aspect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being aromantic doesn’t mean a person is incapable of forming close, meaningful relationships or experiencing physical intimacy. It simply means that they don’t feel that same emotional pull towards romance that others might.
Aromantics might face challenges when it comes to their love life, but they still deserve the same respect and understanding as anyone else. So, if you meet someone who identifies as aromantic, remember to approach them with an open mind and heart, and who knows, you might just learn something new about what it means to love.
Identifying as Aromantic: Finding Yourself amidst Society’s Norms
Understanding one’s romantic orientation is vital to one’s self-discovery. Identifying as aromantic is a significant part of exploring one’s romantic and sexual feelings.
It’s undoubtedly not easy to discover one’s romantic orientation, given the heteronormative standards of society. But identifying as aromantic has become more accessible with an increasing number of like-minded individuals and supportive communities.
In this article, we’ll explore some methods of identifying as aromantic.
Join Groups or Forums
One way to identify as aromantic is to utilize online communities like AVEN forums or online communities for aromantics. These groups provide an opportunity for people to share their experiences and thoughts and find like-minded individuals that can relate to their experiences.
These online communities can offer a supportive environment that allows an individual to self-reflect and enhance their self-awareness.
Talk with a Friend or a Therapist
Identifying one’s romantic orientation is a self-reflective process and can be challenging. Talking with a friend or a therapist is a good way to embark on that journey.
It’s crucial to create a safe space to express one’s feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment. A friend who is knowledgeable and understanding of aromanticism could help guide and support an individual.
A therapist specializing in gender and sexuality can help explore and navigate what an individual is feeling in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Join Aromantic-friendly LGBTQ+ Groups
The LGBTQ+ community encompasses various gender and sexual orientations, and some groups are exclusively for aromantics.
Engaging in the LGBTQ+ community can be enlightening and help understand and celebrate diversity in sexual and romantic orientations. Aromantic-friendly groups can help individuals who identify as aromantic learn and understand that romantic orientation is just as valid and important as sexual orientation.
Do Some Self-reflection
Self-reflection is crucial in an individual’s journey towards understanding their romantic orientation. It involves introspection, questioning one’s thoughts and feelings.
Engaging in practices like journaling, meditation, and just giving oneself space for self-reflection can be a helpful tool in identifying and expressing one’s emotions. Moreover, it can be helpful to explore what they feel about romantic relationships, their experiences and the possible reasons behind it.
Supporting Someone who is Aromantic
Supporting someone who identifies as aromantic is crucial in creating an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. Below are some ways to offer support:
Listen to Them
An important aspect of communication is listening. Being attentive to what someone who identifies as aromantic has to say is crucial in gaining trust and understanding their feelings.
Additionally, avoiding invalidating anything they say or trying to impose feelings on them can go a long way in supporting their self-discovery process.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say the Word Aromantic
Understandably, one may not be familiar with the term aromantic.
However, use of the term can help in fostering identification and acceptance for someone who identifies as such. It shows a willingness to learn and understand an individual’s identity.
Try to Understand Their Point of View
Empathy is key in supporting someone who identifies as aromantic. Acknowledging that everyone’s experiences are different can be enlightening and help build a stronger bond.
Empathy fosters a sense of safety, which is vital to the process of self-discovery.
Don’t Assume Being Aromantic is Something that Bothers Them
Supporting someone that identifies as aromantic includes not making assumptions about what bothers them.
It’s not always a negative experience being aromantic. Understanding that being aromantic, like any other orientation, is valid and a part of an individual’s identity is paramount.
Conclusion
Identifying as aromantic can be a complicated journey, but with supportive communities, self-reflection, and supportive people, it becomes easier. Supporting individuals that identify as aromantic involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to learn and understand their identity.
If you know someone that identifies as aromantic, understand that they need support in discovering their identity. We need to embrace and support people of all genders and sexual orientations and make everyone feel seen and accepted.
In conclusion, understanding and supporting individuals who identify as aromantic is crucial in creating an inclusive and accepting world. Recognizing and respecting different sexual and romantic orientations is of utmost importance in fostering a safe environment for self-discovery and identity expression.
By joining online communities, practicing self-reflection, and supporting aromantic individuals through empathetic listening and a willingness to learn, we can create a world where everyone feels seen and accepted. By embracing the diversity of romantic orientation, we build a more tolerant, inclusive, and compassionate world.
