What is Demisexuality?
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation where individuals require an emotional connection before feeling sexually attracted to someone. This emotional bond is necessary for sexual attraction to develop. Demisexual individuals can have any gender identity and may identify as gay, straight, bisexual, demiromantic, sapiosexual, gray asexual, or pansexual.
Understanding Demisexuality
The prefix “demi” means half, indicating being halfway between sexual and asexual. Demisexual individuals typically do not experience primary attraction, which is the initial attraction upon meeting someone. Instead, they are more inclined towards secondary attraction, which develops after knowing someone for a period. It's important to note that not all demisexual individuals experience sexual attraction.
Demisexuality vs. Gray Asexuality
Gray asexuality, or gray sexuality, is less specific than demisexuality. It encompasses various definitions, describing individuals who identify with asexuality but feel that the term “asexual” does not entirely represent them. Gray asexual individuals might experience attraction but have no desire to act on it, or they may have ambiguous feelings of sexual attraction.
Demisexuality vs. Demiromanticism
Demiromanticism is similar to demisexuality in that individuals need a strong emotional connection to feel romantic attraction. While many demisexual individuals also identify as demiromantic, it is possible to be one without the other.
Demisexuality vs. Pansexuality and Sapiosexuality
Demisexuality requires an emotional bond before feeling sexual attraction, while pansexuality involves feeling sexually attracted to people of all genders and sexual orientations. On the other hand, sapiosexuality entails feeling an intellectual connection with someone before experiencing sexual attraction, primarily being attracted to intelligence. Individuals can identify as demisexual and pansexual or demisexual and sapiosexual simultaneously.
Signs of Demisexuality
Some signs that might indicate demisexuality include not understanding or feeling uncomfortable with flirting, having mixed feelings about sex, viewing sex as an obligation, preferring to date friends, and finding sexual attraction confusing when it does occur.
Demisexuality and Dating
For those interested in dating demisexual individuals, it's essential to understand that building a strong emotional connection takes time. Communication and compatibility are crucial for successful relationships.