Today we delve into the world of demisexuality—a unique facet of asexuality that often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. As a proud demisexual individual, I want to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of human sexuality and discuss the struggles I've faced when it comes to navigating sexual relationships.
Discovering My Demisexuality
Like many others, I spent a significant part of my life struggling to find a label that resonated with my experiences. It was only after stumbling upon the concept of demisexuality that everything clicked into place. Demisexuality, as I understand it, is a sexual orientation where individuals require a deep emotional bond with someone before experiencing sexual attraction. Unlike the conventional narrative surrounding sexual desire, demisexuals don't experience immediate sparks or find themselves drawn to others solely based on physical appearance.
My best explanation of this is seeing a picture of an attractive celebrity pop up on social media. Commonly I will see many comments of people describing how attractive they find the person sexually, how they wish to spend a night with them, and often talking about how certain parts of their appearance are more sexually appealing. I, as a demisexual, don’t get this. I see a picture of an attractive human being, I do admire their physique (and I do have my own preferences like most people), and I can appreciate the effort that goes into a well-toned body, but that’s about it. A celebrity that I have no emotional connection to is not sexually arousing. It’s like admiring a gorgeous sunset or a piece of artwork. Sex just isn’t a part of it.
This is my unique journey of sexuality without emotional bonds, but of course other demisexuals may have completely different experiences. Demisexuality, like all other sexualities, is a spectrum and entirely unique experience for each person.
The Struggles of Sexual Relationships
While demisexuality has its own beauty and strength, it undoubtedly comes with its own set of challenges. Perhaps the most apparent hurdle lies in navigating sexual relationships, especially in a society where sex is often an important aspect to our social interactions.
The Expectation of Immediate Attraction: The societal norm of "love at first sight" or the instant chemistry commonly portrayed in media can be alienating for demisexual individuals. When we fail to experience immediate sexual attraction, it can be disheartening and leave us feeling out of place. I personally was left feeling 'broken' for many years until I discovered demisexuality as a term to describe my experience.
The Struggle to Communicate Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries and expectations becomes crucial in any relationship, but for demisexuals, it can be particularly challenging. Expressing the need for an emotional connection before engaging in sexual intimacy can be met with scepticism or even dismissal. Establishing boundaries is a vital aspect of any relationship, but initiating that conversation from a place where the other person lacks understanding or awareness of your experience can be an arduous and emotionally taxing process, often overwhelming to the point of exhaustion. This often results in simply not engaging to begin with, saving the hassle of experiencing the hardship of communicating our needs, but also missing out on opportunities to find deep, loving emotional bonds.
Feeling Misunderstood or Marginalised: Demisexuality is still a relatively unknown concept to many, which often leads to misunderstanding and misconceptions. Friends and even partners may struggle to comprehend the depth of emotional connection required for sexual attraction to arise. This lack of understanding can inadvertently invalidate our experiences, leaving us feeling marginalised or disconnected from those we care about.
How to Support Your Demisexual Partner
Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about demisexuality and understand what it means for your partner. Familiarise yourself with the concept, read personal stories, and explore resources available online. This knowledge will help you gain insight into their unique experiences and challenges.
Create a Safe Space for Communication: Establish an open and non-judgmental environment where your partner feels comfortable discussing their feelings and needs. Encourage them to express their boundaries, desires, and any concerns they may have. Be an attentive listener and show genuine interest in understanding their perspective.
Respect Their Pace: Recognise that building an emotional connection is crucial for a demisexual individual to experience sexual attraction. Avoid pressuring them or expecting immediate intimacy. Allow the relationship to develop organically, giving them the time and space they need to establish that deeper emotional bond.
Be Patient and Understanding: Navigating a sexual relationship with a demisexual partner may require patience and understanding. Be mindful that their journey is unique and may differ from your own experiences or expectations. Respect their pace and honour the emotional connection they require before engaging in sexual intimacy.
Validate Their Feelings and Experiences: Acknowledge and validate the feelings and experiences your demisexual partner shares with you. Avoid dismissing or trivialising their emotions or doubts. Let them know that their experiences are valid and that you appreciate their honesty and vulnerability.
Communicate Your Support: Express your support and willingness to navigate the challenges together. Reassure your partner that you respect their boundaries and are committed to fostering a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Show them that you are invested in their emotional well-being and that their comfort and happiness are a priority to you.
Seek Mutual Consent: Consent is essential in any intimate relationship. Prioritise open discussions about consent, ensuring that both partners have a clear understanding of each other's boundaries and comfort levels. Mutual consent should always be the foundation of any sexual activity.
Being demisexual is a beautifully intricate journey, allowing us to form deep, meaningful connections with others. While the struggles within sexual relationships can be challenging, they are not insurmountable. By embracing self-acceptance, promoting open communication, and fostering understanding in society, we can create a world where demisexual individuals are embraced and celebrated for their unique experiences.
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