Asexual

Understanding asexuality: what does it mean?

Asexuality is a form of sexual orientation in which a person does not experience sexual attraction to other people. This does not mean that asexuals are devoid of feelings or incapable of love; on the contrary, they can experience strong romantic feelings, build relationships, and enjoy hugs and kisses. 

Regardless, for them, sex simply does not play a meaningful role in their lives, and this does not make them less emotional or capable of intimacy. Asexuality is a natural state, not a choice or an aberration, and should be treated with the same respect as any other form of self-identity.

The diversity of asexuality: main types and characteristics

• Aromantic asexuals experience neither sexual nor romantic attraction.

• Romantic asexuals may experience romantic feelings and may be hetero-, homo-, bi-, or pansexual in emotional terms.

• Demisexuals and graysexuals fall on the asexuality spectrum and sometimes experience sexual attraction under certain conditions or very rarely

.

Accepting your asexuality: how to find harmony with yourself?

Understanding and recognizing your orientation

The first step to inner harmony is to realize that lack of sexual desire is a normal and natural state; it is not a defect or a temporary problem that needs to be corrected. So, give yourself permission to accept your feelings as they are, without guilt or the influence of societal stereotypes.

Research information and self-development

Immersing yourself in materials about asexuality can help you gain a deeper understanding of your nature and realize that there are many people in the world with similar experiences. Reading the stories of other asexuals can inspire and support you in your self-identification process.

Building personal boundaries

Feel free to discuss your preferences and boundaries with potential partners. Everyone is unique, and your feelings are well within your rights to disagree with conventional norms. Being able to talk openly about your needs helps build an honest and comfortable relationship.

Supporting community and like-minded people

Joining asexual communities such as AVEN can be an important source of support and understanding. Connecting with people who share your experiences can help build confidence in yourself and your identity.

Asexual people in relationships: how to build harmony

Asexual people can build strong and fulfilling relationships despite the lack of sexual attraction; but to do this, it is important to discuss their expectations, needs, and boundaries from the beginning. Some asexuals feel comfortable with displays of physical intimacy such as hugging, kissing and caressing, while others prefer to avoid such contact. Therefore, open dialog with the partner is necessary to avoid misunderstandings and create a trusting relationship.

In couples where one partner is sexual and the other asexual, compromises are sometimes required. Mainly because some asexual people may agree to certain forms of intimacy in order to fulfill their partner's needs, even though they have no personal interest in doing so. However, such decisions should always be made voluntarily, without pressure or a sense of obligation.

Alternative forms of intimacy and the search for compromise

For asexuals, emotional connection often plays a much more important role than physical intimacy; as shared hobbies, mutual support and interest in each other can form the basis of a strong and harmonious relationship. In some cases, couples consider an open relationship format that allows one partner to fulfill sexual needs outside of the union while maintaining emotional attachment within the couple.

It is worth keeping in mind that asexual people may have different levels of comfort with physical intimacy; some completely exclude sex from their lives, while others allow it in certain situations or as part of an arrangement with a partner. Also, some asexuals may even fulfill their physiological needs on their own, avoiding sexual contact with others.

Asexuality demonstrates that relationships are not always built around sex. Such unions are based on respect, trust, emotional support and acceptance of each other's boundaries

Asexuality: debunking popular myths

Myth 1: Asexuals are incapable of love

Asexuality is characterized by an absence or low level of sexual attraction, but it has no effect on the ability to experience romantic feelings. In this sense, asexual people can build strong emotional bonds, fall in love, and develop deep relationships no different from those formed by people with other orientations.

‍

Myth 2: Asexuality is the result of trauma or disease

There is a misconception that asexuality results from psychological trauma, illness, or mental disorders; while, in fact, it is an independent sexual orientation, as natural as hetero-, homo-, or bisexuality. Asexuals do not need treatment or a change in their perception of themselves, as it is not a deviation, but part of their identity.

Myth 3: Asexual people simply haven't found the “right” partner

Many people mistakenly believe that asexuals “haven't yet met the right person” to “awaken” their sexuality. However, asexuals' lack of sex drive is not a temporary condition, but a natural characteristic that is not dependent on relationships or partners. Some asexuals may engage in romantic relationships, but they do not see sex as a necessary element of these relationships.

‍