Romance-Averse

Romance-Averse is a term for people who find the idea of personally engaging in romantic activity undesirable, uninteresting, uncomfortable, or otherwise unwanted. Most commonly used by Aromantic/Aro-spec individuals, especially for Aegoromantics.

Their feelings towards personally engaging in romance can range from dislike or discomfort to intense fear or disgust, but Romance-averse people aren't repulsed by the idea of romance in general. They don't mind others engaging in romantic activity or romantic discussion. They themselves may enjoy discussing romantic topics, telling romantic jokes, or consuming romantic media. Some people may experience varying levels of Romance-aversion.

Some people use Romance-Aversion and Romance-Repulsion interchangably, but they are distinct despite their overlap. Romance-Aversion specifically refers to negative feelings regarding the idea of oneself being in a romantic situation. Aversion to the idea of romance in general would fall under Romance-Repulsion. Repulsion also has the association of stronger negative feelings like fear or disgust, or physical reactions like cringing, shaking, pain, or nausea. These can still be present in Romance-Aversion, but only in relation to one's own participation in romantic activity.

Romance-aversion can overlap with Romance-Ambivalence since one's feelings about romance changes depending on whether or not they are involved. One's feelings towards romance in contexts not involving oneself may reflect indifference or favorablility.

Not all Romance-Averse people are Aromantic. There are people who are alloromantic and Romance-Averse.

Orientations

 * Apothiromantic

Flags
Romance-aversion shares its original flag with Romance-repulsion. It was created on January 15, 2018 by Tumblr user beyond-mogai-pride-flags.