What is Asexual?
Asexual describes a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others, and who may still seek romantic or emotional relationships.
Asexual, often shortened to ace, describes people who experience little or no sexual attraction. It is a sexual orientation and a spectrum, not a medical condition or a choice. Asexuality is different from celibacy, which is deciding not to have sex, because asexuality describes how a person experiences attraction.
Asexual people can be romantic, and many form deep partnerships. Some are interested in romantic relationships (often called romantic asexuals) while others are not (aromantic asexuals). Some asexual people are comfortable with sex in a relationship, some are indifferent and some are averse. Each person defines their own boundaries.
In dating, being asexual means clarity and communication matter even more. Being open about your orientation and needs, and finding partners who respect them, leads to healthier relationships. Partners of asexual people benefit from listening and treating the orientation as valid, not as a problem to fix.
Example: Jordan tells Mia early in their conversations that they are asexual and want a loving, affectionate partnership without sex being central. Mia appreciates the honesty, and they talk about what closeness means for each of them.
Signs
- Little or no sexual attraction to others
- Desire for emotional, romantic or platonic closeness
- Differences in comfort with sex among asexual people
- Attraction that does not depend on gender
- Feeling that sex is not central to relationships
What to do
- Share your orientation and boundaries early, at a pace that feels safe.
- Look for partners who respect your identity and communicate openly.
- Define what intimacy means to you beyond sex, such as affection and shared time.
- Do not feel pressured to change or explain yourself repeatedly.
- Seek community spaces and resources if you want support.
Frequently asked questions
Can asexual people fall in love?
Yes. Many asexual people experience romantic attraction and form committed relationships. Some are also aromantic, meaning they experience little romantic attraction.
Is asexuality the same as celibacy?
No. Asexuality is an orientation describing a lack of sexual attraction, while celibacy is a choice to abstain from sex.
How do asexual people date?
In the same ways as others: meeting through friends, shared interests or dating sites. Being clear about their orientation early helps them find compatible partners.