LUSTLESS LOVE: WHAT IS ASEXUALITY?
Asexuality: What Is That Actually?
Under the term asexual many people could imagine little at first. Is it someone who has no desire for sex or can an asexual person physically not have sex?
First of all, asexuality describes the complete absence of sexual attraction towards other people. The interest in sex and desire for it are simply not present. Nevertheless, asexual persons may have consensual sex for a variety of reasons. Nor does asexuality preclude the desire for a long-term relationship. While in most cultures love and sex are strongly linked, a clear distinction is made here.
Different Types Of Asexuality
The Asexual Interest Group sees a distinction in different types of asexuality. Of course, this does not mean that the boundaries between these types are fixed and can not also merge. They can also change over the years.
Type A: Are people who have sexual urges and also act them out, for example, to relieve stress through masturbation. They can imagine that sex feels good, but would find this unpleasant. They do not feel attraction to other people.
Type B: Are asexual and romantic individuals. They are interested in partnerships and the exchange of affection, but do not need sexual interaction. A possible desire to have children can still be a reason to also have consensual sex.
Type C: Describes persons who feel sexual urges on a physical level and, for example, the need for masturbation and long for romantic relationships. However, they have no desire to interact sexually with their partner or other people. The distinction between physicality and love for a partner are different things.
Type D: Are asexual and aromantic individuals. They do not feel a sexual drive or emotional attraction towards other people and do not feel the need to have a partner relationship. A close bond and friendly relationships are still possible.
Many asexuals classify themselves on a spectrum. In this regard, asexuals refer to themselves as aces and aromantic people as aros.
Causes & Relationship Life
That some people are asexual is most likely genetic and inborn. Here one must also clearly distinguish from self-chosen abstinence. Here, people voluntarily choose not to have sex, even though they may also have a desire for sexual interaction. The lack of inclination usually becomes noticeable during puberty, when hormone levels change significantly.
Being asexual is nothing negative and does not have to be associated with suffering if one accepts that intimacy can be lived out in many different ways. There are completely asexual relationships, as well as those in which only one partner has no sexual desire. Finding a compromise and allowing the sexual partner to have intercourse with others, for example, is one of many ways to have a fulfilling and long-term relationship.
