Loveless

Loveless, also called loveless aro, is a self-description within the aromantic spectrum. The English term literally means “without love”. Aromantic people may use it if they feel separate from the concept of love, reject societal ideas of love, do not experience love or are unsure whether they can experience love.

Here, “love” does not refer only to romantic love; it can also include other forms, such as familial, friendship-based, platonic or general interpersonal love. Loveless does not automatically mean that a person is emotionless, cold, incapable of relationships or without care. Many loveless people experience connection, loyalty, affection, responsibility, trust or closeness, but do not describe these experiences as love or do not want to use the word love for themselves.

The term can also express a critique of social norms that present love as the highest or necessary form of human attachment. In dating, relationships, sexuality and BDSM, it is important not to assume that love, romance, sex, intimacy or commitment must belong together. A respectful approach means recognizing a loveless person’s self-description and clarifying together which forms of closeness, care, boundaries and relationship are desired.