Comphet

What is forced heterosexuality (Comphet)?

Compulsive heterosexuality (Comphet) is a phenomenon in which people, most often women, feel pressured by society, culture, and even themselves to accept heterosexuality as the only possible norm. Because of this, many may ignore or suppress their true sexual orientation, believing that they “should” experience attraction to the opposite sex, simply because it's accepted.

This term emphasizes that heterosexuality is often presented as the only “right” way, and other forms of sexuality may not be realized, rejected, or perceived as something “not real.” As a result, some people may live within the imposed model for a long time without questioning what they really want.

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How did the idea of Comphet come about?

The term Comphet was first coined by American poet and feminist Adrienne Rich in her essay "Forced Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence ” (1980). She criticized a societal system that forces women to accept heterosexuality as the only natural and correct option, ignoring or suppressing any other form of sexual orientation.

According to Rich, Comphet is enforced through several key mechanisms: first, from childhood, girls are indoctrinated that their lives should be built around men - initially as caring daughters and then as wives and mothers. This is not just a cultural expectation, but a tool of control that maintains patriarchal structures and denies women the freedom to choose their sexuality.

Second, society actively romanticizes heterosexual relationships: movies, books, advertisements - everything promotes the idea that happiness is only possible in the classic male + female couple. Lesbian or non-binary relationships are either silenced or marginalized, creating the perception that they are somehow “wrong” or “less important”.

In addition, many social institutions - marriage, family, the economy - are set up in such a way that heterosexual unions receive more support and privilege; so women who don't fit into this model may face social stigma, financial difficulties, and even legal barriers. All of this leads many to see heterosexual relationships not as a personal choice, but as the only possible model of life.

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How does Comphet affect women?

How to recognize forced heterosexuality

Many women may not be romantically or sexually attracted to men, yet continue to engage in heterosexual relationships because they believe that this is the way it “should” be. They are indoctrinated from childhood that a relationship with a man is not only the norm, but a necessary stage of life, associated with success, maturity, and even status. Under this pressure, they may try to conform to expectations, even if the relationship is not truly satisfying or seems emotionally empty.

How society enforces heterosexuality

The image of the “ideal woman” often includes the obligatory elements: marriage, motherhood, and a supportive role for the man. Those who don't fit into this script may be judged or considered “different.” In this sense, pop culture also plays a role: movies, TV series, advertisements - everywhere heterosexual relationships are presented as the only path to happiness, while same-sex unions are either ignored or shown as unusual.

Why alternatives are suppressed

Women growing up in a comphet environment may not immediately realize their true orientation. They have been indoctrinated from childhood that love and attraction should be directed towards men, so any other feelings may be seen as a “phase” or “confusion”; which can lead to internal conflict and attempts to suppress their true desires.

How Comphet affects the psyche

When there is a gap between your own feelings and social expectations, it can lead to guilt, embarrassment, and even lowered self-esteem. Many women, unable to understand why their relationships with men seem “wrong” or empty, begin to blame themselves, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and internal frustration.

Feminist view of sexuality and liberation

Feminists, including Adrienne Rich, saw forced heterosexuality as a tool of patriarchy that limited women's freedom. In their view, society forced women to believe that their sexuality existed to satisfy men, thereby denying them the right to determine their own desires.

Rich also emphasized that female homosexuality is not just a personal choice, but a kind of challenge to a system in which women are forced to conform to heteronormative expectations. Lesbian relationships, she argued, can be a way to free oneself from the influence of patriarchy and find true freedom in love and sexuality.

Comphet is thus not just a random phenomenon, but a deeply ingrained belief system that influences women's perceptions of themselves and their orientation. Recognizing this pressure is the first step to understanding one's true desires and learning to choose what truly brings happiness.

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What psychological effects can Comphet cause?

Internal conflict and guilt

Women who are not interested in heterosexual relationships wonder: “What's wrong with me?” or “Why don't I feel like I'm bringing them real happiness?”, so they may begin to blame themselves for what they should like. In this sense, long-term adherence to other people's expectations can create shame about their true desires and fear of recognizing them.

Constant tension and anxiety

When society dictates what a “normal” life should be, and a person internally doesn't conform to it, it creates constant tension. Therefore, pressure from family, friends and cultural norms can cause anxiety, stress and even emotional burnout.

Sexual difficulties

Women who suppress their true orientation may experience a lack of interest in sex or discomfort with intimacy. If there is no genuine attraction to a partner, sex may feel like an obligation rather than a natural expression of desire.