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How common is being aromantic?
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Aromanticism is a term coined by Dr. Elaine Hatfield in 1982 to describe individuals who lack romantic attraction to others. Aromantics tend to prefer solitary activities such as reading books, watching movies, playing video games, cooking, exercising, writing, and spending time alone. They may also avoid social situations because they don’t want to deal with rejection.
According to the American Psychological Association, about 2% of adults are considered “aromantic” while 1% are classified as “highly aro”. These numbers are based on self reports among college students.
It’s important to note that not all people who are labeled “averse to romance” are actually aromantic; instead, they simply dislike certain aspects of relationships. For example, one might enjoy the idea of falling in love but not the actual act of physical intimacy.
As far as the prevalence of aromanticism goes, it varies greatly from culture to culture. In Western cultures, 5%-10% of young adults report experiencing low levels of romantic desire. Among older adults, rates are much lower, ranging from 0.5%-2%.
While the number of people who are truly asexual is small, estimates range from less than 10,000 to nearly 100,000 people in the United States. There’s no consensus on why this population exists, though theories include genetic factors, childhood trauma, and/or neurological disorders.
Aromanticism isn’t necessarily a mental disorder, although it can lead to depression and anxiety. Some people with aversions to romance may benefit from therapy and medication. Others may just learn to live without romantic feelings.
Why Do People Experience Romantic Attraction Without Sexual Desire?
Romantic attraction without sexual desire is pretty rare. Most people experience romantic attraction at some point in their lives, whether it be through a crush on a celebrity, a dream date, or just a cute person walking down the street.
However, not everyone experiences romantic attraction. Some people never feel this type of attraction at all. This is called being aromantic.
While many people who experience romantic attraction without sexual desire are aromantics, there are others who experience romantic attraction without any sexual desire. These people are often referred to as nonsexuals.
There are several reasons why people experience romantic attraction without sexual desires. One reason is because of socialization. Socialization teaches us that sex is important, and we learn to associate sex with romance. However, sometimes we may find ourselves attracted to people who aren’t interested in having sex.
Another reason is due to brain chemistry. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role in romantic attraction. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, sleep cycles, appetite, and memory. Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and poor concentration.
People who experience romantic attraction without sex tend to have lower levels of serotonin than those who experience romantic attraction with sex. Therefore, these individuals may be more prone to depression and anxiety.
Some people experience romantic attraction without sex due to genetics. There are certain genes that affect our ability to experience romantic attraction. For instance, some people have a gene mutation that makes them unable to produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that affects feelings of pleasure and motivation.
If you’re aromantic, you may be able to identify yourself as such based on your personality traits. For example, you may be introverted, shy, and sensitive. You may also be emotionally reserved, quiet, and unemotional.
If you’re experiencing romantic attraction without sex, try talking to a therapist about your situation. They may be able to help you understand why you’re feeling this way.
The Difference Between Being Aromantic and Bisexual
Being aromantic means not having romantic feelings toward anyone. This includes feeling attracted to people who aren’t romantically interested in you.
Bisexuality refers to sexual attraction to members of two genders at once. Some people identify as bisexual because they’re open to exploring different gender identities and relationships.
Some people feel uncomfortable identifying as either aromantic or bisexual because they fear negative reactions from others. However, there’s no reason to be afraid of these labels. They simply describe how we experience our sexuality.
If you’re comfortable with your identity, you can use these words to help others understand your experiences.
Is There Anything You Can Do About It?
Being aromantic (or non-romantic) means not having romantic feelings towards anyone. This includes romantic attraction, sexual desire, and affection.
There’s nothing wrong with being aromantic; however, many people feel alone because they’re unable to find others who understand them.
If you’re aromantic, there’s no reason to hide it. Talk to friends, family members, and coworkers about it. They may be able to help you figure out ways to cope with this condition.
Ending
Being aromantic doesn’t mean you’re broken or defective; rather, it’s just part of human nature. So what should you do about it? Well, first off, don’t worry too much! Second, try to accept yourself for who you are and learn how to deal with it. And finally, talk to others about it so they know you’re not alone.