Let’s talk about the fabulous aromantics out there
[image description:
first image: text saying “we don’t talk enough about aromantics. so let’s talk about–
second image: text saying “aros who don’t want relationships.”
third image: text saying “aros who are polyamorous.” there is a drawing of a person holding hands with two people.
fourth image: text saying “aros who are not ace.”
fifth image: text saying “aros who do want a relationship.” there is a drawing of two people holding hands. one person says “hey i really like you platonically, wanna date?” the other person replies “yeah!”
sixth image: text saying “and those in qpr.” qpr stands for queerplatonic relationship. there is a drawing of two people, with one person’s arm around the other.
seventh image: text saying “aros who are romance repulsed.” there is a drawing of a person with their arms crossed saying “nope.”
eighth image: text saying “aros with lesser known identities.” there is a drawing of six flags: quioromantic, demiromantic, greyromantic, aroflux, akoiromantic, recipromantic.
ninth image: text saying “aros who are also ace.”
tenth image: text saying “aros who enjoy romance.” there is a drawing of a person sitting in a wheelchair. they are reading a book with a heart on the cover.
eleventh image: text saying “you are not broken.”
twelfth image: text saying “you are not heartless.”
thirteenth image: text saying “you are amazing and strong.”
fourteenth image: text on a plain flag saying “you deserve to be proud.”
fifteenth image: text saying “and celebrate who you are.”
sixteenth image: text saying “happy pride!” under the text is a drawing of a heart with the aromantic flag on it.
Not being able to reciprocate others romantic feelings towards you is not your fault and also not your responsibility
Labels are fluid and definitely can change, but it’s okay if they don’t, too.
You get to choose what information you share with others about your identity. This includes labels and personal feelings. Especially regarding those invasive question people sometimes ask. You are under no obligation to answer them.
You do not need romance in life to be successful or happy. Happiness and success come in so many different forms other than romance and romantic relationships.
You are valid, heard, seen, and important. You contribute to the huge amount of diversity in this community. Most importantly, you’re not alone.
For me, being aromantic is a relief more than anything else. I never knew why I always felt uncomfortable when people, who hardly knew me more than a little reciprocated banter (which was ALWAYS mistakenly thought of as flirting… not my intention,) would want to date me. I felt pressured in high school to find someone and was frustrated that I couldn’t because I was “picky” about my dating standards. Everyone else seemed to have no problem doing it, so why did I? I always told myself it was because I was so focused on school and extracurriculars and never thought any different. When I first started identifying with the term aromantic though, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Now, I don’t have to make excuses, worry about finding someone, or participate in romance if I don’t want to. It’s a relief, comfort, explanation and sense of acceptance all in one.
