Hello!!! This is a carrd to inform and spread positivity about aromantics, specifically the akoiromantic label.
That being said, let's get started!!
What Is Aromantic
Aromanticism is as it sounds, when you do not feel romantic attraction. That's it. Aromantic people however, are not "unfeeling" or "robots" or "shallow." Most aromantics are actually quite caring and are loyal friends, they just don't feel romantic attraction. Each aromantic has their own, unique experience with their attraction, though. Some aromantics like romantic actions, just don't feel it, others are completely disgusted by romance as a whole, and some simply just... don't care. The way they feel can also vary, which is why there are sublabels.
Akoiromantic is one of those labels.
What Is Akoiromantic
Akoiromantic means that you are able to feel romantic attraction, however it quickly disappears when any romantic attraction is reciprocated. This was originally called lithromantic, however due to slight controversies with the prefix lith, it's been mostly referred to as akoiromantic.
My Experience With It
People who are akoiromantic often don't even realize they are akoiromantic and initially feel guilty and confused over their fleeting emotions. I was no different, and for a while it made my life so much more difficult because I wouldn't know why I felt this way. Nothing was wrong with my crush, but once the relationship started I just... wasn't attracted anymore. I felt really alone as well, and I couldn't explain my emotions to anyone because no one would understand. When I learned about aromantacism, and then akoiromantacism, it all started clicking and I felt happy to understand myself better and see there's other people like me. Sadly, some people are judgy.
Complaints
"Why do you need this label? It's unneccesarry."
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I can see why to most people akoiromantic might seem extra, but on the contrary, I think they're rather important. It's very beneficial to understand yourself, and realizing how your attractions work sooner can help you avoid so much trouble (in this case, messy relationships and guilt). These labels also make it easier for people to find other people like them and share their struggles. Even if the person changes labels later on, it's okay because they're still learning more about themselves.
"You just haven't found the right person."
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You're right, we haven't found the right person because there is no right person for us, and that's okay. Having a romantic relationship isn't the goal of life, and it's easy to be happy without one.
"Emotions don't work like that"
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You literally cannot just deny how someone feels. There are plenty of people who feel exactly like this who can disprove you. Humans are complex, there's nothing saying people can't feel like this.
"You're heartless for being that way."
No, we are not. Like I mentioned earlier, aromantic people still heavily value people and their friends, just not romantically. Akoiromantics aren't leading people on, they just didn't understand how their love works until now, and that's okay. They're often as confused as you at first and wish they weren't this way, but it's not their fault.
Before You Go
There's a large debate about whether aromantics and asexuals are part of the LGBT community. Frankly, I have no opinion on this so you're free to believe what you want, however please do not invalidate their identities. Asexuals especially have become trivialized due to the... "Tumblr asexuals", for lack of better terms, but their communities should be respected. The asexual and aromantic communities are actually quite complex and there's a lot of issues they face that I didn't even realize they did. Everyone simplifies their issues to just being "Oh you're asexual? Haha do you do mitosis then?!" when there's so much more going on. Obviously, I'm not trying to equate their struggles to the ones LGBT people have faced with oppression, but just remember they face their own unique issues as well. They should be allowed to share their issues and have pride without ridicule.
