Lithromantic

Lithromantic is the adjective form of lithromanticism, a romantic orientation on the aromantic spectrum which describes an individual who only experiences romantic feelings towards another person as long as the feelings are not reciprocated. Once romantic desire is returned, the lithromantic person’s attraction then dissipates or disappears. Another name for lithromantic is akoiromantic.

Sexual and romantic orientation often overlap and many people find it difficult to distinguish between the two as a result. Sexual orientation indicates the sex or gender of the person one is most likely to feel sexual attraction or desire towards, while romantic orientation indicates the sex or gender of the person someone is most likely to feel a romantic attraction towards, for whom they might develop romantic feelings, or with whom they would like to pursue a romantic relationship.

Lithromantic people can be of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or romantic orientation. There is no causal relationship between gender identity, sexual orientation, and romantic orientation or whether a person will be lithromantic or not.

Lithromantic and the Aromantic Spectrum

Lithromanticism is on the aromantic spectrum. People on the aromantic spectrum (also referred to as “aro-spec” individuals) feel little to no romantic attraction to anyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. 

Other notable identities on the aromantic spectrum with conditional romantic attraction include gray-romantic people (i.e. people who occasionally feel romantic attraction, however rarely), demiromantic people (i.e. people who only feel romantic attraction after they’ve formed an emotional connection) and recipromantic people (i.e. people who only feel romantic attraction once they learn the other person has romantic feelings for them). 

Lithromantic versus Lithrosexual

Lithrosexuality is on the asexual spectrum, asexuality being a sexual orientation where people experience little to no sexual attraction to others or sexual desire in general. Lithrosexual means that one may can sexual attraction but does not need or want the desire to be reciprocated. It is possible for someone to be both lithromantic and lithrosexual, but they are not synonymous nor do they necessarily occur in the same individual.

Unless they are asexual as well, lithromantic individuals can feel sexual attraction and desire. This sexual desire can be reciprocal. It is only their romantic feelings that stipulate a lack of reciprocation.

Lithromantic Intimacy and Sex

Lithromanticism does not affect a given individual’s need or desire for physical intimacy. Many lithromantic people enjoy being physically close with others and engaging in physically intimate exchanges like hugging, affectionate touch, and sexual activities, while others do not. Their lithromanticism determines how they form romantic attraction, not their level of physical affection needs.

A lithromantic nature does not affect someone’s inclinations towards physical intimacy.  Lithromanticism determines who someone may form romantic attractions and relationships with. It does not affect their level of physical affection or intimacy needs. Lithroromantic people can also develop sexual interest in others and enjoy partaking in sexual activity. Like most sexual or romantic orientations, many lithromantic people enjoy being physically close with others and engaging in physically intimate exchanges like hugging, affectionate touch, and sexual activities, while others do not.