Becoming Demi (part 3)

I outed myself.

I've never been particularly big on talking about my sexual orientation (which is probably another result of being a demi). So sticking up a link on Facebook and announcing the fact to my friends and family was a bit of a weird step for me.
benefit
In part I did it for myself. I also felt that since this was such a useful revelation to me, it might help someone else in my circle of acquaintances.

I'm going to quote from some of the responses.

The first was:

Probably accurate for me too but no need for labels, it’s just something that is a remnant of the age of manners. 

Okay.

Apparently the label comment is quite a common response.

I had a brief conversation about how the label was helpful to me, discussed the difference between manners and actually being wired in a way that makes casual sex an unappealing prospect. It wasn't the best initial response, but it was a useful opening into talking about the subject.

What a horrible label for being a well-adjusted human being.

Well if anyone can come up with a better label ...

But here's the thing, 'well-adjusted' doesn't come into the equation. I'm not saying there's something wrong with being demi, but just because I'm not sexually interested in every attractive woman I meet does not directly equate to being well-adjusted.

Are you a good person just because you are prevented from being a bad one?

The next came from a friend who had recently learned about demisexuality.

 It must suck being demi in such a sex crazed culture 

That was the first time that I thought someone actually understood.

The next comment came from another close friend, who also managed to read beyond 'does not jump into bed at the drop of a hat (or any other article of clothing)'.

 I find the whole thing fascinating. I just thought u were VERY picky...

And the following was also appreciated:

 I'm glad you were able to figure that out. I hope others in similar situations can figure it out too.

But then we get back to the idea that somehow this is about being noble and better than everyone else:

That reads to me like a description of a good and healthy person who has resisted the selfish and superficial pleasure chasing that plagues these decadent times.

This may seem like I'm being mean-spirited towards complimentary things that people have said, but that's not the intention. Despite all the goodwill, there are a lot of people who don't really see being demi as a Real Thing.

Hopefully as I continue to add to this blog, I can illustrate where the differences lie - at least for my experience.

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