What Does Aromantic Asexual Mean?
In the diverse spectrum of human identity, the terms “aromantic” and “asexual” are gaining well-deserved recognition. But what happens when these two identities intersect? An individual who identifies as both aromantic (aro) and asexual (ace) is known as aromantic asexual, or aroace for short.
This means a person experiences little to no romantic attraction (aromanticism) and little to no sexual attraction (asexuality). It’s crucial to understand that these are two separate spectrums. An aroace person’s experience is a unique combination of both, defining how they navigate relationships, love, and connection.
Breaking Down the Terms: Aromantic vs. Asexual
To fully grasp the aroace identity, it’s helpful to define its components:
- Asexual (Ace): An asexual person does not experience sexual attraction toward others. This is an intrinsic orientation, not a choice like celibacy. Asexuality is a spectrum—some ace people are sex-repulsed, others are sex-indifferent, and some are sex-favorable, but they all share a lack of innate sexual attraction.
- Aromantic (Aro): An aromantic person does not experience romantic attraction. They typically do not develop crushes, fall in love, or have a desire for romantic relationships. Like asexuality, this is a spectrum. Aromantic people can still experience deep, loving bonds that are platonic, aesthetic, or queerplatonic.
An aroace person, therefore, navigates the world without feeling the pull of sexual or romantic attraction. Their focus for deep, fulfilling relationships lies elsewhere.
Dispelling Common Myths About AroAce People
There are many misconceptions about the aroace community. Let’s set the record straight:
- Myth 1: It’s a phase or a disorder. Being aroace is not a hormonal imbalance, a medical condition, or a result of trauma. It is a valid sexual and romantic orientation.
- Myth 2: Aroace people are cold or heartless. This is completely false. Aroace individuals form incredibly strong, loving, and committed relationships. These relationships are often deep platonic or queerplatonic partnerships (QPRs) that are just as meaningful as romantic ones.
- Myth 3: They can’t be in relationships. Aroace people can and do have relationships! They simply define those relationships on their own terms, free from societal expectations of romance and sex.
How Do AroAce People Form Connections?
Connection is a fundamental human need, and aroace people are no exception. Their relationships are built on a foundation of:
- Platonic Love: Deep, abiding friendship is often the cornerstone of an aroace person’s social world.
- Queerplatonic Relationships (QPRs): A QPR is a committed, intimate relationship that exists outside the traditional boundaries of a romantic partnership. It is a deeply meaningful bond that transcends typical friendship without being romantic.
- Aesthetic and Sensual Attraction: An aroace person might still appreciate someone’s beauty (aesthetic attraction) or desire non-sexual physical touch like hugging or cuddling (sensual attraction).
Finding Community: The Role of Inclusive Platforms
For aroace individuals, finding like-minded people who understand their experience can be transformative. While friends and family can be supportive, connecting with others on the aromantic and asexual spectrums is invaluable.
This is where dedicated platforms make a world of difference. General dating apps can often feel overwhelming or irrelevant for aroace people, as they are heavily focused on romantic and sexual matching.
Instead, niche communities that honor all types of attraction are essential. Platforms like Acecupid.com are designed with this specific purpose in mind. As a dating and community platform for asexual and aromantic people, it allows aroace individuals to seek connections based on their own criteria—whether that’s friendship, a queerplatonic partnership, or a like-minded community. On Acecupid, you can clearly identify your orientation and the type of relationship you’re seeking, making it easier to find people who want the same things you do.
Embracing the AroAce Identity
If you identify as aromantic asexual, know that your experience is valid and beautiful. Your capacity for love is not diminished because it doesn’t fit a conventional mold; it is simply expressed differently.
The journey to understanding and accepting an aroace identity is personal. Seek out communities, both online and offline. Read stories from other aroace people. Use resources from organizations like AVEN.
Remember, your relationship blueprint is yours to draw. Whether you seek a lifelong queerplatonic partner, a tight-knit circle of friends, or a community of peers, your path to connection is uniquely yours—and entirely valid.