Explain some orientations to me, please...
Hi! I think I'm on the aromantic spectrum, and I have a few labels I think might fit me, but I'm not sure... I'd like it if anyone who identifies as any of these orientations could kind of explain their experience with them. It might help me understand myself better.
-Cupioromantic (but I also did have a period of being romance-negative, so I'm not sure about this one)
-Grayromantic (I have felt romantic attraction once, strongly but briefly)
-Arospike (because the romantic feelings were so strong but only lasted two days)
-Demiromantic (I've only ever liked one person, and knew them for a year or more before I developed feelings for them)
I'm finally being able to accept myself as a possibly aromantic person, but I still have a while to go.
@courageousPeach3843
Thank you for sharing that with me—it takes a lot of courage to explore these feelings.
Please know that you are completely valid and worthy, regardless of whether you identify as aromantic, cupioromantic, grayromantic, arospike, demiromantic, or none of the above.
There is no 'correct' way to be on the aromantic spectrum, and it is a spectrum for a reason. Your experience of having strong, brief feelings (arospike), or only feeling attraction after knowing someone for a long time (demiromantic), fits perfectly within that spectrum. It is also okay to be romance-negative at times and later reconsider your comfort with romance (cupioromantic).
Labels are tools for you to understand yourself, not boxes to fit into. You are allowed to change labels, use multiple labels, or not use any at all. Wherever you end up on this journey, you are valuable and enough just as you are."
Love and Courage,
Calm Rosebud 🕊️🌹