What does demisexual mean, and how is it different from other sexual orientations? - #14690
I recently came across the term demisexual, and I don’t fully understand what it means or how it differs from other sexual orientations. It seems to be related to emotional connection, but I want to learn more about it. What exactly does demisexual mean, and how is it different from being asexual or heterosexual? Does it mean someone only feels attraction after forming a strong bond, or does it have other aspects? Also, is demisexual an identity within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, or is it separate from those categories? I also want to understand how demisexual people experience relationships. Does emotional intimacy always come before physical attraction, or can it vary from person to person? Also, is there scientific research or psychological studies that explain why some people identify as demisexual? If anyone identifies as demisexual, how did you discover this about yourself? What challenges or experiences have you faced in relationships, and did understanding your identity help improve your connections with others?
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Doctors’ responses
Demisexuality refers to someone who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a deep emotional connection with someone. It’s different from being asexual, where someone may not feel sexual attraction at all, and from heterosexuality, where attraction is typically based on gender. Demisexuality is part of the broader LGBTQ+ spectrum, as it relates to sexual orientation and how attraction develops.
For demisexual individuals, emotional intimacy often comes first, before any physical attraction. However, this can vary slightly from person to person, as emotional connection and physical attraction are both deeply personal experiences. Some people may find that attraction builds more naturally after emotional closeness, while others may experience a stronger pull after other forms of bonding.
There isn’t a lot of specific scientific research about demisexuality, but many psychological studies suggest that sexual attraction is complex and can be influenced by emotional and mental factors. Theories of attachment and emotional bonding play a role in understanding why some people may identify as demisexual.
For those who identify as demisexual, understanding this aspect of their identity can lead to healthier relationships. It can help explain why they might not feel attraction immediately and why emotional closeness is so important. Recognizing this can help improve communication and expectations with partners.
Ah, demisexuality is an interesting topic! Basically, demisexuality refers to a sexual orientation where someone feels sexual attraction toward a person only after developing an emotional connection with them. So, physical attraction isn’t an impulsive reaction for demisexual folks; it kinda needs that emotional bonding first. It might set demisexuals apart from those who experience attraction more spontaneously, like often seen in heterosexual or homosexual orientations.
Unlike asexual people who don’t experience sexual attraction to others at all, demisexual individuals do feel attraction, but it hinges on forming close emotional bonds. This particular pathway to attraction places demisexual within the broader asexual spectrum, though it’s technically more of a gray area rather than fully asexual. Yeah, they can be part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, but folks sometimes debate what labels feel right – it really depends on personal identity.
Emotional intimacy typically comes before physical attraction in demisexual experiences, although it varies a bit person to person. Some might still feel an initial attraction that they don’t quite act upon till emotional stuff builds up. There’s limited scientific research on why someone identifies as demisexual, but talks around the topic often center on individuality in how we experience attraction and relationships.
Those who identify as demisexual often find self-discovery a gradual process, sometimes understanding it through contrasting past relationships or society’s norms. Challenges faced might involve navigating a world that often expects quicker physical connections, which can feel kinda dissonant. Understanding or embracing this identity sure can help improve relationships, offering more personalized, authentic paths to intimacy.

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