Autosexuality is more than self-love; it’s a unique form of sexual attraction. It involves finding oneself sexually appealing and often preferring self-pleasure. This doesn’t negate the possibility of enjoying intimate relationships with others. Autosexual individuals may also enjoy sexual dreams and fantasies involving themselves.
Table Of Contents:
- Understanding Autosexuality
- Signs of Autosexuality
- Autosexuality and Narcissism
- The Autosexual Flag
- FAQs about autosexual
- Conclusion
Understanding Autosexuality
Sex therapist Bernard Apfelbaum coined the term “autosexual” in 1989. Even within the LGBTQ+ community, grasping autosexuality can be challenging. Sexologists even find it difficult to provide a precise definition, as explained in this BBC article about autosexuality.
Autosexual vs. Asexual and Autoromantic
Autosexuality sometimes falls within the asexual spectrum. However, they are distinct. Asexual people experience minimal sexual attraction to others, while autosexual individuals may find themselves their primary source of sexual gratification. They may still desire relationships with others.
Autosexuality also differs from autoromanticism, where romantic feelings are directed towards oneself. Autoromanticism centers around self-love and personal appreciation.
Autosexuality and Relationships
A misconception is that autosexual people avoid relationships. This isn’t accurate. Like others, many autosexuals seek deep emotional connections. They may find fulfillment in romantic relationships but prefer self-stimulation for sexual pleasure.
The Autosexual Experience
Experiences vary among autosexuals. Masturbation may be the preferred sexual activity for some, offering the greatest sexual pleasure. Others might be open to partnered sex, although this can lessen sexual desire for some. Each person’s experience is valid within this sexual orientation.
Signs of Autosexuality
Several signs might suggest someone is autosexual. However, self-identification is key. Here are some potential indicators:
Self-Focused Fantasies
Autosexuals often fantasize about themselves, possibly even imagining a look-alike. These fantasies often lead to strong sexual excitement. They may think about other people occasionally during sexual encounters. However, focusing on themselves is much more arousing. Fantasies involving themselves create far more sexual pleasure.
Heightened Self-Pleasure
Many people masturbate; it doesn’t automatically make someone autosexual. However, autosexual people may find masturbation intensely satisfying, often more than partnered sex. Sex with others might even feel underwhelming, as the greatest stimulation comes from within, connecting with their own body image. This preference for self-pleasure provides a deep connection with their own sexuality.
Attraction to One’s Own Body
Body positivity is common, but being aroused by one’s body can be an autosexual experience. Looking in the mirror, seeing someone who resembles them, or even just thinking about themselves can heighten their sexual drive. Autosexuals often feel sexual attraction to themselves in this way.
While it might sound self-centered, remember that autosexuality stems from physiological responses, not ego. This internal arousal allows them to experience sexual feelings without needing to seek external stimuli. Their body is its own source of sexual attraction.
Autosexuality and Narcissism
It’s crucial to distinguish autosexuality from narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). While both involve self-focus, NPD involves an inflated ego and a need for admiration, with little regard for others’ feelings. This contrasts sharply with autosexuality, where feelings are directed inwards with minimal impact on others.
Autosexuality is a healthy expression of sexuality. NPD involves patterns of manipulative behavior. Sometimes the two may overlap, but they are distinct experiences.
The Autosexual Flag
The autosexual pride flag combines blue and gray stripes. Blue symbolizes self-attraction, and gray represents connection to the asexual community. This flag helps build community for those who identify as autosexual.
FAQs about autosexual
What is the meaning of autosexual?
Autosexuality means being primarily sexually attracted to oneself. This can involve fantasizing about oneself, finding self-stimulation most fulfilling, and being more aroused by one’s own body. Autosexual individuals experience sexual attraction and pleasure from themselves.
What makes a person autosexual?
Like any sexual orientation, autosexuality arises from biology, personal experiences, and upbringing. There’s no single cause. Further research on autosexuality is needed. Humans are born with their orientations, and attractions emerge from a blend of biological, psychological, and physical factors, creating individual sexual responses.
What are symptoms of autosexuality?
Autosexuality isn’t a medical condition and has no symptoms. Possible signs include preferring masturbation to partnered sex and feeling more aroused by oneself than others. If this resonates with you, exploring autosexuality as a potential identity is valid. There is no need for extensive justification as this falls within the realm of normal sexual experiences.
What is autosexual Kardashian?
In 2020, Kourtney Kardashian’s site, Poosh, published an article about autosexuality. This brought the orientation into the public eye, raising awareness about people who identify as autosexual. While some appreciated the increased visibility, others criticized the headline as clickbait.
Despite the mixed reactions, the article introduced many to a previously unknown term. This media coverage, though controversial, sparked conversation and expanded understanding of sexual diversity. It revealed how people feel about sexual attraction and their own bodies.
Conclusion
Autosexuality is a complex orientation encompassing a variety of experiences. Understanding the term contributes to a more inclusive view of sexuality. Embracing it as part of the human spectrum promotes acceptance and validation of diverse sexual expressions.
For many autosexuals, self-love isn’t merely an emotional concept; it’s a core component of their sexuality. They find deep sexual pleasure and fulfillment in connection with themselves. This unique experience deserves recognition and understanding.
