In today’s evolving world of sexual identities, a relatively new term has begun gaining traction: symbiosexuality. While some might brush it off as just another niche label, for many, it puts a name to a deeply personal experience. Symbiosexuality describes a type of attraction that isn’t based on someone’s looks or personality traits, but rather on the shared energy between individuals in a relationship. This connection—often described by symbiosexuals as intense, layered, and emotionally charged—is what truly sparks their desire.
Energy as the Heart of Desire
What sets symbiosexual attraction apart from traditional desire is its deep emphasis on relational energy. Unlike conventional attraction, which typically focuses on a person’s physical features or emotional qualities, symbiosexual individuals are captivated by the energy exchange that flows between people in a relationship.
Dr. Sally Johnston, an adjunct professor of Anthropology and Sociology at Seattle University, explains it well: “It’s not so much the individual that draws them in, but the dynamic created through connection.”
To those unfamiliar, this may seem unconventional. Most people are used to thinking of attraction as something tied to looks or emotional attachment to one person. But symbiosexuality flips that idea—it places the relationship itself as the source of desire.
Symbiosexuality Is Not Just About Polyamory
At first glance, symbiosexuality might seem similar to polyamory, where individuals engage in multiple romantic or intimate relationships. But this identity isn’t exclusive to polyamorous dynamics. In fact, symbiosexual attraction can just as easily exist within a monogamous relationship.
What truly defines it isn’t the number of partners—it’s the intensity of the shared energy between people. Some symbiosexual individuals feel drawn to witnessing or admiring a powerful connection between others, while others may long to be part of that emotional synergy.
Dr. Johnston notes, “Many people find themselves profoundly affected by the emotional bond between two individuals—even if they’re not directly involved. The relationship itself becomes the center of their attraction.”
Redefining What It Means to Be Attracted
Symbiosexuality pushes back against traditional views of desire by shifting the focus away from individual traits and toward the energy that exists between people. While conventional attraction is usually based on physical appearance, personality, or shared interests, symbiosexuals are drawn to the overall connection—the emotional and energetic bond shared in a relationship.
This fresh perspective leads many to reconsider what attraction truly means. For symbiosexuals, it’s not about the people involved, but the unique dynamic they create together. The relationship itself becomes more captivating than any one individual.
In doing so, symbiosexuality challenges long-held assumptions and broadens our understanding of desire, offering a new lens through which to view connection, intimacy, and emotional pull.
A Wide Spectrum of Symbiosexuals
As symbiosexuality gains more recognition, it’s becoming evident that those who identify with it come from incredibly diverse backgrounds. Dr. Johnston’s research highlights this growing trend, noting that people from all walks of life have resonated with the concept.
“What surprised me most,” she shared, “was just how many individuals felt seen by this term.”
Symbiosexual attraction isn’t confined to one type of relationship or demographic. Whether someone is in a polyamorous setup, a monogamous bond, or a more fluid arrangement, this orientation gives them a language to describe a type of attraction they may have never been able to explain before.
The increasing visibility of symbiosexuality reflects a broader shift—people are exploring and embracing new ways of understanding desire, and symbiosexuals are at the forefront of that movement.
Symbiosexuality: A Deeper Identity, Not Just a Phase
Like many emerging sexual identities, symbiosexuality has sparked debate—is it a lasting orientation or just another passing trend? But early research and growing personal stories suggest it’s far more than a temporary label. As more individuals open up about their experiences and connect with others who relate, the symbiosexual community continues to expand.
For symbiosexuals, attraction isn’t about looks or personality—it’s about the “multidimensional energy” of a relationship. This energy can be emotional, intellectual, or even spiritual. It’s this powerful, shared connection that becomes the true focus of their desire.
Some have described the experience as being in awe of the bond between people, where the relationship itself holds more emotional weight than the individuals involved. For them, it’s not just a phase—it’s a genuine, deeply felt orientation.
Where Symbiosexuality Fits in the Evolving Conversation on Identity
Over the past few years, conversations around sexual identity have broadened to reflect the vast range of human experiences. From pansexuality to asexuality, we’ve come to recognize that attraction doesn’t fit neatly into predefined boxes. Symbiosexuality adds another meaningful layer to this growing dialogue—by placing relational dynamics at the heart of desire.
Experts believe that as more individuals identify as symbiosexual, the term will gain wider recognition and deeper understanding. It’s already being explored in both academic and social spaces, with researchers like Dr. Johnston playing a key role in redefining how attraction is framed and studied.
As society continues to embrace new perspectives on love and connection, symbiosexuality is shaping up to be a powerful and lasting part of the broader narrative around attraction and identity.
In Conclusion
Symbiosexuality brings a refreshing shift in how we view attraction—placing the shared energy between people at the center. For those who identify as symbiosexual, it’s not the individuals that captivate them, but the connection they create together. This emerging identity is helping many people finally put words to feelings they’ve long experienced, offering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of desire and human connection.
