To feel sexually attracted to another person, a sapiosexual person must first feel intellectually stimulated.
Intelligence is often the first quality a person notices in a potential partner.
Sapiosexual is still a fairly new word, asMerriam-Webster’sfirst known use of the word was in 2004.
According to research, between 1% and 8% of people aged 18 to 35 may be sapiosexuals.
Anyone can identify as sapiosexual, including both heterosexuals andLGBTQIA+people.
This means that people who identify as sapiosexual may be straight, gay, asexual, or another identity.
They may only feel attracted to someone if they feel intellectually stimulated by a potential partner.
It is the intellect that stimulates sexual attraction.Let’s take a look at what it means to be sapiosexual.
Anyone Can Be Sapiosexual
Unlike gender-specific restrictions, sapiosexuality has no limitations.
You are free to be attracted to whomever you choose.
This means that superficial qualities like body shape, size, or facial features take a backseat.
Criticisms of Sapiosexuality
Sapiosexuality is a relatively new term and is not without some controversy.
Some have argued that it is not a legitimate orientation but atype of attraction.
Others have suggested that sapiosexuality is both pretentious and discriminatory.
The term has been criticized as being bothableist and Euro-centric.
It also focuses on Western-centric measures of intelligence without acknowledging other forms of intelligence and intellectual curiosity.
At the Library
There’s no better place to meet an intellectually-stimulating person than at a library.
You two can pick some books, find a nice little nook, and get to know one another.
And the best part?
Online
The internet affords a multitude of opportunities for meeting people.
Thepossibilities are endless online!
Through a Friend of a Friend
This old-school aspect can still work in your favor.
Sapiosexual people usually have a hard time finding compatible matches, but friends can be great resources.
You may have a friend that knows a friend that is the perfect match for you.
At Your Favorite Restaurant
Have you ever taken yourself out on a date?
If you haven’t, here’s why it’s the best thing to do.
It’s always fun to connect over a shared love of food.
Whatever makes the dopamine flow generously is where you should go to meet your ideal person.
How Does Sapiosexual Differ From Demisexual?
So how does being sapiosexual differ from beingdemisexual?
If you’re struggling to come to terms with your identity, considerreaching out to a mental health professional.
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Situmorang DDB.
‘If you think that smart is sexy, you must be a sapiosexual!
‘: a new knowledge in sex education about sapiosexual.J Public Health (Oxf).
Published online February 10, 2024. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdae021
GLAAD.Explore the spectrum: Guide to finding your ace community.
