Understanding Aromantic Individuals: An Explanation on Our Site
In a world where romantic relationships are often prioritised and deeply ingrained in culture, aromantic individuals - those who do not experience romantic attraction - face unique challenges and misconceptions.
Aromanticism, an independent identity from sexuality, is often met with discrimination, invalidation, and a lack of understanding. In a 2020 Aromantic Census, over 82% of respondents reported experiencing such discrimination, and nearly half faced attempts to "fix" or "cure" them. This erasure and lack of recognition, both socially and institutionally, can be seen in government equality surveys that do not officially acknowledge aromanticism, and within LGBTQ+ and asexual communities, where aromantic identities are often misunderstood or conflated.
Misconceptions and stereotypes abound, with aromantic individuals often being perceived as cold, emotionless, or simply not having met the "right person." This creates social challenges and stigma that can lead to emotional and mental health stressors. The difficulty in articulating feelings regarding romantic attraction, due to deeply embedded romantic norms, further exacerbates these issues.
Establishing supportive communities can be challenging for aromantic individuals. However, finding like-minded individuals through online communities and support groups can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. It's essential for aromantic individuals to take care of themselves, find ways to navigate relationships that work for them, and prioritise different types of relationships, such as emotional attachments and support from friends.
Aromanticism exists on a spectrum, with some people experiencing a lack of romantic attraction under specific circumstances, while others may never feel romantically attracted to anyone at all. For grey-aromantics, the lack of romantic attraction is not always a conscious choice. Some aromantics may desire a romantic relationship, even though they do not feel romantic attraction.
Aromantic individuals can and do form bonds of attachment with others in ways that are not romantic, such as platonic or familial relationships. Some aromantics report feeling little or no desire for romantic relationships, and as a result, they often enjoy close platonic friendships. It's crucial for aromantic individuals to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of their romantic orientation, develop and maintain a support system of individuals who genuinely care about them, and find fulfillment through other avenues, such as hobbies, interests, and passions.
Despite the challenges, aromantic individuals can lead fulfilling lives. Aromanticism represents a spectrum, and some aromantic people are in long-term committed relationships, which may be non-romantic or romantic. It's important to remember that everyone's experiences are unique, and it's essential to respect and understand the diverse experiences of aromantic individuals.
[1] Aromantic Census 2020, report link [2] Aromanticism and Mental Health, article link [3] Understanding Aromanticism, article link [4] Aromanticism in Society, article link
- Although aromantic individuals may not experience romantic attraction, they prioritize their emotional well-being by fostering strong, non-romantic relationships and focusing on education-and-self-development activities to find fulfillment and avoid emotional stressors.
- The stigma and lack of understanding surrounding aromanticism can be addressed by acknowledging aromantic identities in institutional surveys, promoting awareness through articles like "Aromanticism and Mental Health" [2], and encouraging open dialogue and support within relationships and communities, including LGBTQ+ and asexual ones.
