Aromanticism

Aromanticism (often shortened to "aro") is a romantic orientation characterized by experiencing little to no romantic attraction to others. This means that aromantic individuals do not typically experience the feeling of "falling in love" or having a desire for romantic relationships in the way that alloromantic (non-aromantic) people do.

• Romantic vs. Sexual Attraction:

• It's crucial to separate romantic attraction from sexual attraction. An aromantic person may or may not experience sexual attraction. Therefore:

• Someone can be aromantic and asexual (not experiencing sexual attraction).

• Someone can be aromantic and allosexual (experiencing sexual attraction).

• Relationships and Affection:

• Being aromantic does not mean someone is incapable of love or close relationships. Aromantics can:

• Form deep, meaningful friendships.

• Have strong familial bonds.

• Experience other forms of love and affection.

• Have queer platonic relationships, which are relationships that contain emotional intimacy that is beyond that of a normal friendship, but is not romantic.

• The Aromantic Spectrum:

• Like other orientations, aromanticism exists on a spectrum. Some people may identify with terms like:

• Demiromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction only after forming a deep emotional bond.

• Gray-aromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction rarely or under specific circumstances.

Aromanticism is a valid orientation. It's not a choice or a disorder. Aromantic people are not necessarily "cold" or "emotionless." They simply experience relationships differently. Aromantic people may still enjoy activities that are deemed to be romantic by society, without feeling romantic attraction.