Aromanticism: Getting Off in the 'Friend Zone'

The friend zone fulfils a specific need and desire for many people.

Many of you may be familiar with the definition of nonromantic partnerships. If you click on it, you may have discovered that a relationship like this is typically something that partners keep between themselves, wondering what that might be or even how that's even remotely conceivable. Although it never quite goes there, this emotional attachment encompasses the ideas of a traditional (and thus sexual) relationship.

Additionally, you might have associated the term with asexuality, which you can learn more about here. In actuality, however, this does not accurately describe the situation. Aromanticism, its asexual equivalent, is in a class by itself, whereas nonromanticism is quite prevalent.

Let's Just Be Friends

Aromanticism: What is it? If we wish to attempt to understand it, we must distinguish it. The response is very straightforward: There is an implication in nonromantic relationships. It's possible that the relationship in issue still includes sex, but it's casual, like the typical fling, with little time for romantic sentiments to develop.

This type of relationship does not apply to aromantic partnerships.

One of the Fifty Shades of Purple is aromanticism, which is a kind of asexuality in which having sex is unacceptable due to a basic wish to avoid it. However, aromantics have little interest in experiencing romantic desire that manifests itself in ways other than sex, such as hugging, handholding, or nuzzling. Mostly, they like simply being around people and do not see the value of having a deep romantic relationship. In reality, aromantics don't mind "just being friends."

Furthermore, it's possible that you believed that everyone was in the buddy zone.

Clearing Up the Mist

This does not imply that aromantics are heartless individuals who never even try to reach first base. Not at all. After all, asexuality is a spectrum. Cuddling and other conventional forms of asexual affection are enjoyable to some aromantics.

The distinction between aromantic and nonromantic partnerships is very hazy, though. People in nonromantic relationships may wish for those sentiments to develop into a romantic relationship with all the perks and physical manifestations that go along with it. The relationship usually stays platonic with aromantics.

Do you suspect that you may be aromantic? One significant commonality among the aromantics I have seen is that they are genuinely fairly personable and far from antisocial. Because they actively look for new platonic ties and companions to meet that need, one could even argue that they are the most gregarious members of the asexual community. They are pretty unusual in terms of where they fall on the spectrum.

The finest kind of friend has no ulterior motives beyond friendship. In the best conceivable way, this is the friend zone.