{"id":23021,"date":"2019-03-11T12:34:46","date_gmt":"2019-03-11T12:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=23021"},"modified":"2024-11-18T04:14:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T03:14:27","slug":"aromanticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/aromanticism\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Aromanticism?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If the world were black and white, then two people would fall in love, get married, have children, and live happily ever after. Interestingly, this notion is the opposite of aromanticism (known as \u2018amatonormativity\u2019, or the belief that a monogamous relationship is the key to happiness). <\/span><\/p>\n

But the world isn\u2019t black and white.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, the colorful swirls of individuals on this planet make for a culturally diverse and beautiful place. And as we continue to grow and learn, we understand that there are many different kinds of humans that inhabit the earth. <\/span><\/p>\n

So today, we\u2019re going to take a closer look the term, aromantic. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Does It Mean To Be Aromantic?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An aromantic relationship is also commonly known as \u2018queerplatonic\u2019, which is a partnership more intimate than friendship<\/a> but not romantic in nature. Aromantic people simply do not develop romantic feelings for others.<\/span><\/p>\n

This, in no way, means that an aromantic individual cannot form strong bonds or have emotional capabilities however. In fact, aromantic people can be in successful relationships and friendships while holding feelings of love, empathy, and connection. <\/span><\/p>\n

They too have the ability to feel joy and excitement for others who are in romantic relationships. The difference is that aromantic individuals merely don\u2019t experience nor require romantic attachments for themselves. <\/span><\/p>\n

Aromantic individuals can however feel sexual attractions, and it\u2019s important to note that being aromantic and asexual are two different things.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does It Mean To Be Asexual?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Those who identify as asexual<\/a> do not feel sexual attracted to others. Those who are asexual can and do form romantic bonds, and some do engage in sexual activity. But most choose to be celibate<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Can an Aromantic Person Be Asexual?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes. A person who is aromantic can also be asexual. In actuality, a high number of people who identify as aromantic also identify as asexual.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adversely, one could identify as only aromantic or only asexual.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that, and according to the <\/span>Asexual Visibility and Education Network<\/span><\/a> (AVEN), there are four different groups when it comes to aromantic and asexual individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n