Snao

Yeah, I've had aesthetic attraction plus platonic bonds get mistranslated as sexual and romantic interest in people before. I just kind of assumed this is what everyone else was talking about. I always knew I didn't want a traditional romantic relationship by any stretch (and I cynically argued for many years in my youth that romantic love isn't real) but I also though that I should give it a try just to learn from the experience. It turns out it's hard to get into something you're not emotionally inclined towards, so I had to learn the hard way (fucking up a couple of friendships) that it's just not for me.

I like cuddling with dogs and very, very few people. Hugs are fine. Kissing can be fun sometimes, usually when I'm drunk.

I feel vastly outnumbered here

I drink a fair bit, not always to get drunk though that's sometimes the aim. It helps loosen me up, and when consumed correctly it elevates my mood too.

Apparently I'm an awful aro because

• I've really enjoyed the company of certain people in a distinct way.
• I write a fair bit of fictional romance - not the genre, but just as a part of the lives of fictional characters I create.
• Through the above, I can actually understand a lot about romantic feelings.
• I like flirting and being charming and catching the attention of a certain calibre of person.
• I occasionally like to humour the idea of dating.