Edna3362 wrote:
If a person is asocial, does that equally mean they're... Socially aversive?
Can I ask the same with sexuality and romantic preferences??
Are asexuals all fundamentally sex-repulsed?
Are aromantics dislike and avoid romance?
Hmph.
Well, I can say that I classify myself as asexual and am not sex-repulsed. It’s perfectly fine if other people want to do it, and I’ll even put up with a quick sex scene or two in a movie (so long as the rest of it is interesting in some way), I just personally don’t have any urge to do it.
I am now unsure whether what I feel for a friend is romantic love or not, so I don’t know whether to call myself aromantic or demi-romantic, but I can say that I am not completely put off by romance, but I do wish it was less prevalent. It’s okay in small doses, but I’m not going to choose a romantic movie or book, in general. And so many songs are about love in one way or another. Sometimes I actually do want the kind of close relationship that a romantic relationship would be, and at those times I hate having romance shoved in my face (it’s essentially like saying “Here’s how great a romantic relationship is, and almost everyone except you gets to experience it”). If I truly am aromantic, then I am actually incapable of feeling romantic love, but as long as it isn’t directed at me, it’s acceptable to me. I accept that it is a huge part of most people’s lives, and except for those times when I’m feeling down on myself for it, I’m fine with it. I’m not going to be very interested in two people kissing, but I’m also not going to go “Eww, get a room, you two, that’s so gross!” or anything like that.
However, I do have an aversion to social interaction. I think the difference is that I’m actually involved in it. I don’t care if other people want to have sex, but I would have an extremely adverse reaction if someone wanted to have sex
with me. I think that’s where the difference lies for me - sex (or romance) is typically only between two people
who are not me, but social interaction, I’m expected to take part in.
Just some thoughts from someone who happens to be all of the above.
_________________
Yet in my new wildness and freedom I almost welcome the bitterness of alienage. For although nepenthe has calmed me, I know always that I am an outsider; a stranger in this century and among those who are still men.
-H. P. Lovecraft, "The Outsider"