I was already thinking about how cool the loveless label is before what happened yesterday, when I was asked out to a date for the first time.
I saw "loveless" as something empowering, as a sign of protest. In a world so filled with amatonormativity and expectations, where our existence is questioned and we're told "you'll find the right one someday"
It's a big giant middle finger
"Fuck you I don't need that. And it's okay"
I do feel strong things for my friends, I had a strong squish at least twice in my life that made me question if I was truly aromantic
But is it love? I care about them, sure. But love has such romantic connotations. It's like I have to make up for my lack of any attraction and that's why I say I "love" my friends
Because in the eyes of society, I'd be just an unfeeling monster if I "didn't even love my own friends".
But you know what. I am human. And others are open to see me as not one. I am human and I know that. A human who is repulsed by sex and romance and isn't sure if the feelings for friends should be called love at all
It shouldn't matter. We don't need to broaden the definition of love so aromantics can be included. It's there because society thinks love is what makes us human and they are repulsed by the idea of other humans just not feeling it, that's why they have to make up reasons why they actually still are
Love is not what makes us human
I'm not sure if I completely qualify for loveless, since I do feel safety, admiration, fun, joy, support, concern, care, challenged with my friends
But "loveless" feels liberating
It's like taking off a mask and a promise to myself that I don't have to lie anymore
