what is the difference between romantic attraction vs friendship attraction
(specifically, questioning if im aro/aro-spec)
some context:
• i have always known i was asexual, even before i knew it wasnt the "norm" experienced by most ppl. no sexual attraction at all.
• i have struggled with friendship for a good chunk of my life, mainly due to childhood trauma and lack of positive role models in terms of what a healthy and fulfilling friendship/relationship looks like. recently i have been working on having deeper and more fulfiling relationships with friends that energise me and people who i genuinely enjoy hanging out with
• all my life i have been chasing romantic relationships. i am starting to suspect its a mix of wanting to escape my household and toxic family + desire for emotional connection + some type of comphet /comp-allo?
• i am currently questioning my romantic orientation. given the complications of not experiencing sexual attraction & not feeling as strongly about my breakup as i initially thought i would. tldr i think i managed to get over it much faster than i thought i would (2.5 years relationship, its been 2-3 months and i am mostly over it).
would love to hear any input! im v confused abt the difference between having a close friendship and a romantic relationship. like i cant tell if ive actually ever experienced romantic attraction, or was it just the desire for emotional intimacy? feel free to ask me anyth thank u 🤓☝️