Arospike

Arospike, also called burstromantic, describes an identity on the aromantic spectrum. The term may be used by people who usually experience no, little, or only rare romantic attraction, but occasionally have sudden, noticeable, and often intense periods of romantic attraction.

These “spikes” may occur unexpectedly, last for varying lengths of time, and then fade again. They do not mean that a person is permanently alloromantic, but describe a recurring or possible pattern within the aromantic spectrum.

As with all terms relating to romantic orientation, this refers to a person’s experience of attraction, not necessarily to their desire for relationships, relationship practices, or capacity for closeness and connection. Whether “arospike,” “burstromantic,” or another term feels accurate is for the individual to decide.