Aromanticism is the opposite ofalloromanticism, which is a desire to experience a romantic relationship.
Aromanticism is sometimes known by the abbreviated form aro.
In theLGBTQIA+ lexicon, the A represents aromantic, asexual, and agender.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
Learn more about aromanticism and how it affects relationships.
If you identify as aromantic, we share a few tips for caring for your mental health.
What Are Signs of Being Aromantic?
Everyones experience is unique, so feelings about romance and relationships can vary greatly among aromantic people.
Some may have different desires and expectations for physical and emotional intimacy.
Can Aromantics Still Fall in Love?
Aromantic people can experience love.
Being aromantic doesnt mean that you dont feel or experiencelove.
You may experience strong feelings of love for family and friends.
And research suggests that aromatic people often still desire sex.People who identify as aro can also want relationships.
Aromanticism vs. Asexuality
Some aromantic people are asexual, but the two are not synonymous.
Asexuality involves a lack of sexual interest or attraction.
Some asexual people may not desire sex but can still want romance.
And aromantic people may desire sex but not romance.
Other identities on the aromantic spectrum include:
Can Aromantics Have a Relationship?
It is important to note that aromantic people may still be involved in intimate or sexual relationships.
However, these relationships may look different from romantic relationships.
Such partnerships may involve being in an exclusive relationship, living together, showing affection, and having sex.
Aromantic people may get married, have children, and raise families.
What Is Aromantic Dating?
Some aromantic people may enter what is referred to as a queer-platonic partnership or QPP.
Challenges Facing Aromantic People
Societal expectations can create challenges for people who identify as aromantic.
People who dont desire that are often pressured to settle down, get married, and have kids anyway.
Romantic content in popular media can also sometimes present challenges for those who are aro.
Amatonormativity
Amatonormativityis a term that has been coined to describe societys expectations concerning romance.
It has been used to describe the pressure to find and prioritize romance, marriage, and monogamy.
Others sometimes think they are not loving or that they will eventually change and develop romantic relationships.
Dealing with these myths can sometimes make people feel isolated or pressured toconformto other people’s expectations.
Find out which option is the best for you.
While you might not want romantic relationships, havingsocial supportis important for your mental health and well-being.
Focus on cultivating strong relationships with other people outside of romantic contexts.
It is important to remember that other forms of love are not any less important than romantic love.
If you are aromantic, dont feel pressured to participate in romantic or sexual situations you arent comfortable with.
Dont force yourself to do things to meet someone elses expectations or because of social pressure.
Some may enjoy physical intimacy, and some may not.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
LGBT Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Asexuality, attraction, and romantic orientation.
2020;49(5):1615-1630. doi:10.1007/s10508-019-01600-1
Fischer NL, Seidman S.Introducing the New Sexuality Studies.
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc; 2012.
Pasquier M.Explore the spectrum: guide to finding your ace community.
Singal J.The new science of single people.The Cut.
AUREA.A beginner’s guide to being an aromantic ally.
