Our Alterous experience means that love isnt a phenomenon I was hit with. No urge for partnership or love to provide validation for caring the way I do. Having an individual who I see as my familiar is a dynamic that was built over time.
It was grown though rambling to each other about media essays, laughing till your face hurts, intentionally craving out time to talk, sharing our art,holding space for each other's vulnerabilities, unspoken confessions, showing respect towards our individual anxieties and limitations,late nights going to bed on the phone,support at our low points,comfortable silence.
The fact that our bound includes “I love you’s”, cuddling on a couch and sharing kisses is a surprise feature (that we both enjoy), but never was a sought for prerequisite.
Being Alterous is the understanding that intimacy can be anything that makes you feel close to another person, which does not have to encompass societal expectations of romantic desire.
ཐིཋྀ
