What is Sapiosexual?

Despite only recently gaining national recognition, sapiosexuality is an orientation that has been around far longer than most. The concept has become widely discussed, particularly in the last few years, and the term “sapiosexual” has been seen as pride flag on many social media platforms. But what exactly is sapiosexuality and how do we define it?

The Definition of Sapiosexual

At its core, sapiosexuality is an orientation in which a person finds intelligence to be the most attractive trait. Put simply, a sapiosexual is somebody who is attracted to intelligence in all its forms. To sapiosexual people, intelligence is the most formidable aphrodisiac and the key to a lasting connection. Being sapiosexual does not necessarily rely on a person’s knowledge or general IQ. It is about the appreciation for wit, nuance, and intellectual chemistry with potential partners.

Understanding the Complexities of Attraction

Throughout history, attraction has been understood in a narrow and conventional way. Love and desire are usually equated with physical beauty. We often find ourselves drawn to the traditional and stereotypical ‘type’, be it the good looking jock or the beautiful prom queen. Additionally, traditional gender roles imply that men are only attracted to a women’s physical beauty and women are mainly attracted to a man’s ability to provide and protect.

Sapiosexuality is a reminder that love, sexuality, and desire can be experienced in a multitude of ways. It breaks down traditional gender binaries, suggesting that attraction should be accepted in diverse forms. For sapiosexual people, intellectual chemistry is paramount in establishing a connection. In other words, sapiosexual people can find somebody attractive based on their intelligence and conversation, regardless of gender and physical appearance.

Conclusion

Sapiosexuality, like other orientations, is quite complex and multi-dimensional. It’s an attraction that goes beyond the surface and into deeper and more nuanced forms of connection. While physical beauty has its own appeal, it is certainly not the only form of attractiveness. Sapiosexual people remind us that intelligence should be recognized and celebrated. They challenge us to think beyond traditional notions of beauty and monogamous couples, instead opting to explore and embrace our own individual orientations.

Sources

http://www.health.com/mind-body/what-is-sapiosexual
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-asexual-person-2795082
https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/sapiosexual-definition
https://thelawdictionary.org/article/i-am-attracted-to-intelligence-am-i-sapiosexual/