Pseudoromantic is an aromantic spectrum microlabel describing individuals who experience a non-romantic attraction(s) which mimics or borders on romantic attraction.
Pseudoromantic individuals experience strong attraction (such as aesthetic attraction, sensual attraction, or sexual attraction) which mimics romantic attraction, often by inducing romantic feelings. Despite this they lack the intrinsic desire to engage in romantic acts with that individual. The label pseudoromantic may fall under the green stripe aromantic umbrella.
Some common pseudoromantic experiences might include:
- Experiencing romantic feelings caused by a tertiary attraction or sexual attraction without a drive to engage in romantic acts with the target of attraction.
- Enjoying or being romantically interested in individuals in erotic content or fantasies but being uninterested in romantic activity with the individuals.
- Experiencing romantic feelings caused by viewing or otherwise sensing an individual but lacking romantic attraction towards the individual.
- Experiencing a non-romantic attraction so strongly it overwhelms any potential romantic attraction.
Pseudoromantic may also be used as a prefix (eg. pseudo-biromantic) or as part of an angled aroace or oriented aroace identity.
History and Flag
Pseudoromantic was coined by Wiki user JayZaPL and Reddit user AnonymousHermitCrab in the subreddit r/aromantic on May 22nd, 2022, along with its flag.[1]
The pseudoromantic flag is modeled after the pseudosexual flag. It is the aromantic flag flipped upside down with a yellow stripe is added beneath the purple stripe to represent tertiary attractions such as platonic attraction which is commonly represented with the color yellow.[1]
Etymology
The term pseudoromantic is based on the Greek root word "pseudo-" meaning "false." The root word "pseudo-" was chosen to represent how non-romantic attractions present themselves as a false (pseudo) romantic attraction.