Have you ever faked a crush on someone only so you wouldn’t feel left out amongst your friends? Have you rejected someone’s proposal only because you were not sure of what they want from you? Do you wonder why people like lavish weddings? If your answer to these questions is a ‘yes,’ you probably are an ‘aromantic.’ Yes, aromantic is a term, and no, it does not mean being asexual. Aromantic refers to someone who is not interested in a romantic liaison but is more interested in platonic relationships. If you wish to know more about what aromantic means and read the signs of an aromantic, keep reading as we tell you everything you need to know about it.
Who Is An ‘Aromantic’?
As the word suggests, ‘aromantic’ refers to someone who does not develop romantic feelings or attraction for another person. They find it challenging to feel the emotional connection required to build a romantic relationship and have no interest in such a relationship. They do feel sexual attraction, but they are more content with maintaining friendships and non-romantic relationships. They can form a deep bond with someone they connect with, but it does not culminate in romance. Also, an individual’s sexual preference has no impact on their romantic orientation. They may have a friendly liking or even a crush on someone, but they are less likely to enter into a romantic relationship with that person.
13 Signs You Are An Aromantic Person
Here are some common signs that indicate you are an aromantic. Keep reading and see if you relate to any of these points.
1. You have never had a crush on anyone
In your teens, you must have heard your friends discuss their crushes and how they feel about them. However, you never fully understood what they were talking about because you never felt that romantic feeling toward anyone.
2. You pretend to have a crush
When your friends gush over someone they like, you too chime in discussing your supposed crush only so you could fit it, but you can’t really imagine what it would feel like. Your crush may be attractive, but only you know that you do not have any romantic feelings for them.
3. You fail to relate to romantic stories
You cannot wrap your head around romantic TV series, movies, and novels. You do not get why a pretty girl like Allie would leave her wealthy and loving boyfriend for someone like Noah. Such stories baffle you, and you wish people could be more pragmatic.
4. You have never felt nervous around someone you like
You have never felt what is known as ‘butterflies in your stomach.’ You feel nervous before a big event but never around someone you find attractive.
5. You are a loyal and sincere friend
You are very close to your friends, and they know you always have their back. In fact, you are very good with people and can empathize with both older and younger people. However, what you cannot feel is romance for anyone.
6. You feel sexual attraction but nothing else
You feel sexually attracted to people and enjoy sex too, but you do not understand the need or importance of romance. You may enjoy sex with a particular person but still not feel anything remotely romantic for them. As a result, it may feel like the romantic aspects of dating are “formalities” or something you have to “get through.”
7. You do not understand the concept of marriage
For you, a wedding is nothing more than just another event where people dance and dine and have a good time. You do not feel its significance and cannot help rolling your eyes when people get emotional at weddings.
8. You are not interested in having a relationship
Romantic relationships make you feel awkward because you do not know what the other person feels and don’t know how to reciprocate their feelings. You do not want to cause anyone any pain, so you avoid seeing anyone romantically.
9. You want to be in a relationship for all reasons but romance
You get into a relationship for several reasons but seldom because of romance. Your partner may give you financial stability, or they may be great in bed. You know what the reason is, and it is not what brings many other couples together.
10. You prefer the ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement:
Sexual attraction is your thing but not romance. So, ‘friends with benefits’ suits you perfectly because you can be a great friend for someone but not their romantic partner.
11. You like being single
For a romantic person, being single is boring. But, for you, it is normal and something that you prefer. People around might bug you to find a partner, but you do not feel bothered because you cherish your singlehood.
12. You are not interested in knowing about people’s love life
Your friend might come crying to you about her breakup, and although you may sympathize with her, you might feel drained and bored. You cannot relate to their feelings and find it challenging to comfort them.
13. You do not understand the hype around Valentine’s day
Gifting, writing love notes, and confessing your feelings are things that make you cringe. A day dedicated to love and romance, that is, Valentine’s day has no effect on you and is just another day for you.
Are Aromantics Afraid Of Making A Commitment?
Aromantics do not lack the ability to love. They love their family, pets, and friends. The only thing different about them is that they cannot differentiate between platonic and romantic love. They have the same feeling of attachment for everyone they care for. They can get into a committed relationship, and they even cherish it but not in the traditional sense. They can feel an intense emotional connection that is more than friendship with someone, but there is less than zero chance of it ever developing into romantic feelings.
Aromantic Vs. Asexual
The term aromantic is often confused with asexual. However, the two terms have different meanings. An aromantic person can feel sexual attraction. They can even enjoy and desire sex. An asexual person, on the other hand, does not enjoy or desire sex. They can be romantic and enjoy cuddling, hugging, and other physical gestures but not sex. This can be confusing for a partner, as they cannot fathom a person’s need for sex without any romantic attachment.
