Split attraction model - meaning and definition
AlsoSAMsplit attractionSAM modelsplit attraction theory
Definition
The idea that different kinds of attraction, especially sexual and romantic, can point in different directions and can be described with separate labels.
At a glance
- Separates sexual attraction from romantic attraction, and sometimes from other kinds such as aesthetic attraction.
- Developed within asexual and aromantic communities.
- Allows combined labels such as asexual biromantic or bisexual heteroromantic.
- It is a descriptive tool, not a rule everyone must follow.
In detail
The split attraction model grew out of asexual and aromantic communities. It suggests that a person's sexual orientation and romantic orientation may not match, so someone might be asexual and biromantic, or bisexual and heteroromantic.
The model is a descriptive tool rather than a rule. Some people find it very useful; others feel their attractions are not separable and prefer a single label. Either approach is valid.
In a sentence
- The split attraction model finally gave me words for being aromantic but not asexual.
- Some of my friends use the split attraction model, while others just say they're queer and leave it there.
Where the word comes from
The idea that romantic and sexual attraction can differ is older, but the name split attraction model became common in online asexual and aromantic communities in the 2010s.
Common questions
Do I have to use the split attraction model?
No. It is optional. Some people find it describes them precisely, while others feel their attractions are not separable and prefer a single label. Both approaches are valid.
What kinds of attraction does it separate?
Most often sexual and romantic attraction. Some people also talk about aesthetic, sensual or platonic attraction to describe different kinds of pull they feel towards others.