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Demisexuality Meaning: The latest term gaining traction online, demisexuality is a sexual orientation characterised by sexual attraction only to individuals with whom one has a strong emotional connection. This term gained widespread recognition after UK singer and TV personality Tulisa Contostavlos openly discussed her experiences, sparking a wave of interest and self-identification among many. This lesser-known sexuality is driven by emotional intimacy, not physical attraction and falls under the asexual (ace) spectrum while emphasising diversity within asexuality.

The term sparked the discussion after Tulisa Contostavlos, former "X Factor" judge and N-Dubz star openly discussed her personal life on ITV's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here." The 37-year-old revealed she's been celibate for over three years, avoiding dating apps and preferring emotional connections. "I feel like I'm demisexual, I need a really close emotional bond with someone...I need actual depth. I'm a slow, slow burner," she shared. Tulisa emphasised her disinterest in casual encounters, saying the thought "genuinely makes me feel physically sick." She joked, "This is my temple, you cannot enter!" and expressed contentment with singledom, saying, "I actually do enjoy being single."

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Demisexuality is a lesser-known sexual inclination (Image Credits: Canva) 

What Is Demisexuality?

The term "demisexual" was coined in 2006 by the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) to describe a distinct sexual orientation. Demisexuality occupies a middle ground between asexuality and typical experiences of sexual attraction, emphasising emotional intimacy as a prerequisite for physical attraction. Individuals identifying as demisexual require a strong emotional connection to feel drawn to someone. This orientation falls within the broader asexuality spectrum characterised by infrequent or conditional sexual attraction. Demisexuality challenges traditional notions of attraction, highlighting the complex interplay between emotions and physical connection.

According to WebMD, there are no tell-tale signs that you are demisexual. But there are several subtle signs that may signify you are demisexual.

  • You Don't Understand Flirting
  • You Have Mixed Feelings About Sex 
  • You See Sex As An Obligation
  • You Prefer To Date Your Friends
  • When You Do Feel Sexual Attraction, It's Confusing

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