Aro Joy, 1/1 - itâs almost AUTUMN!!!! đđ𧣠⨠(and Iâm very excited lol, early fall is one of my favourite times of year đ). Ok but back on topic - Iâve actually had a vision for this specific comic for ⌠a while đ Like, half a year ago. Itâs been a journey, accepting my arospec identity (and from what Iâve heard talking to yâall, itâs been like this for many of you too), and though Iâve been open about the bumpier parts of the experience, I wanted to also talk about the positives, all the joys of being aro, too đđđ¸
As a general disclaimer: The sentiments here arenât meant to speak for all aros - because some aros want to be in romantic relationships (or be otherwise partnered), and of course this is equally valid and should be respected! And on the same note, allos can be happy with being, or just want to be single, because again - this isnât something defined by orientation.
But I think for a lot of us, our arospec orientation can be tied to how feel about our lives in relation to partnership ⌠which is that, weâre okay (or happy) being single! For the longest time, I held it against myself that I wasnât in a relationship, but not because I wanted to be in one - I just thought it was a milestone that would make other people think of me as a ârealâ adult đđ Realizing I was aro gave me the opportunity to reassess how I viewed myself, and my relationships with other people. I was able to actually let go of that idea of having a âââmissing pieceâââ, and appreciate everyone and everything I have in my life. I sound kinda cheesy saying this, but for the first time, I think I have everything Iâve ever wanted, relationships wise? Iâm at peace, and I really appreciate it.
Schoolâs gonna start soon for me and for some of y'all, so I hope that goes well for everyone! Please take care, and as always Iâd love to hear what you think! What are your favourite things about being aro? đ¸
Slide 1: âI find it fascinating, the way alloromantics value romance.â Celia stands outside in front on a vibrant fall day. She seems to be on a walk on a trail.
Behind her, the leaves are a bright orange, and she is wearing a white wrapped top, jeans, and an orange ribbon choker.
Slide 2: âWhen I bring up the fact -â
A flashback to an earlier time, where Celia is talking to another girl (who is alloro). Celia says âYou know, life without Romance is not inherently bad, or unfulfilling -âÂ
The other girls says, âyeah, but itâs DIFFERENT.â
Slide 3: [Pure text] Thereâs this really deep, engrained idea, even amongst people who are accepting and understanding of the idea that being aromantic is valid, that romance brings a new level of joy to life. A kind of special fulfillment they would be lost without.
Slide 4: âAnd Iâve got to say âŚâ Celia speaks to the viewer.
Slide 5: âThat sounds really hard, yikesâ She shrugs nonchalantly. Â
Slide 6: Celia speaks from the bottom of the panel, and a big speech bubble says, âPeople seem to have such a hard time with dating? Pining? Trying to court people? (I actually do not know much about romance, despite my love of the genre) It just seems like so much work, just to feel fulfilled.â
Extra doodles of character struggle with online dating, pining with writing love letters, and dollar bills with a rose exemplify the various struggles mentioned.
Slide 7: Shot switches back to Celia in the forest. Sheâs now holding a maple leaf in her hand, staring down at it contemplatively as she speaks. âIâm ⌠actually feeling pretty good about my life.â
Slide 8: She holds the leaf up to the light now. âI donât really feel like thereâs something missing without a partner. Although, maybe one day -â
In the bottom half of the panel, the perspective switches to her POV centered on her hand with the illuminated leaf, âIâd also be happy with a QPR.â
Slide 9: Itâs one of the things that makes me grateful that Iâm aro.
The shot has switched to be from behind Celia, staring out at the landscape of mountains, the fall foliage, and the river below. Celia has let go of the leaf and it drifts away in the wind]