#attraction

"Asexual people are often assumed to “lack” attraction. But in reality, many report rich and varied forms of attraction that don’t map neatly onto sexual desire.

So instead of asking “how does attraction work?,” we asked:

What do people actually mean when they say they feel attracted to someone?" "Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data, we identified and validates seven different forms of attraction:

intellectual

aesthetic

emotional

platonic

sensual

romantic

sexual

These aren’t just theoretical distinctions. Statistically, they show up as separate but related dimensions—meaning people really do experience attraction in multiple, distinguishable ways." "Our findings demonstrate that both asexual and non-asexual experience multifaceted forms of attraction.

Put differently, the seven forms of attraction our study identifies are not “ace-specific” categories—they’re general features of human attraction. But starting from an asexual lens helped us see those features more clearly."

are disabled

are chronically ill

can't celebrate for health reasons

disability gets in the way of their gender representation

disability got in the way of a relationship

don't have anyone to celebrate with

have homophobic caretakers

The moth and the flame. Divine emblems. 1867.

(in other words, how to put yourself 1st)

1. Before making a decision, ask yourself, “Is this beneficial for me?”

2. Second ask yourself, “Do I want to do this? If so why?” Make sure that whatever you do is serving your best interests.

3. Always take care of your needs. Treat yourself like you would your child. Maintain your basic hygiene. Make sure you've eaten and drank water. Keep up with your skin care. Give yourself compliments and support your dreams. Be financially stable and provide security for yourself. Give yourself everything you desire.

4. Don’t rush or let others push you into doing something you don’t want to.

5. Put your standards on the pedestal. Form your own judgement about things and don’t be persuaded easily.

6. Do what you set your mind to regardless of opposition.

7. Always be in tune with what you desire and never compromise your standards.

8. Fill your own cup first. Invest in yourself.

9. Set clear boundaries and start saying no when you mean it.

10. Release all shame surrounding your self prioritization. Understand, people won’t care about your wellbeing. You have to be the one looking out for you.

11. Gate-keep yourself from those undeserving of your love and energy.

12. Don't tell all your business. Move in silence and cherish your privacy.

13. Stay self-sufficient.

14. Do the things YOU enjoy. Have your favorite cup of coffee. Eat your favorite snack. Watch your favorite show. Do tarot readings. Read occult books. Wear makeup. Dress up. Don't shrink your beliefs, lifestyle or presence just because someone else disagrees with it.

15. Ignore unsolicited advice.