#extraspec

[PT: Extra-/Mega-/Super-]

Inspired by fucktoyfelix's extrasexual/megasexual/supersexual (link) post. Felix makes a really good point about the language we use to express "experiencing lots of sexual attraction", how that language is inherently linked to disordered sexuality, and how that connotation can alienate and suppress those who experience lots of sexual attraction in a healthy manner.

Similarly -- albeit, on a much smaller scale IMO -- as an individual who experiences lots of romantic and platonic attraction, the terms "hyperromantic" and "hyperplatonic" technically fit me, but that hyper- prefix has always thrown me off. It comes from "hypersexual", a term describing disordered, intense sexuality. However, I don't think my platonic or romantic attraction is disordered; I think it's a normal facet of my orientation.

I think we need a better term for this experience which doesn't inherently pathologize one's attraction. And, as such, I intend to use the extra-/mega-/super- prefix for this purpose.

Essentially, this term is a synonym of "hyper-" that drops the connotation of disorder. Extra/mega/super-spec attraction is any attraction type which is felt in excess, whatever that means to the user.

(ID in alt)