Among the sexually and romantically interested population, we hear homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, and asexual regularly, but there is one word that really flies below the radar: auto sexuality. Auto sexuality is the label used when you're sexually interested in yourself, and for most people, it will be a bit strange, but it's something that occurs. What auto sexuality is, why it happens, and why we are here talking about this with our sexuality is what I'm here to investigate with you today.

What is Auto sexuality?

Auto sexuality is a term used to describe one's sexual attraction to himself or herself. This means that the auto sexual individual has romantic and/or sexual attraction to his/her own body. It should be noted here that auto sexuality is not narcissism but an extreme form of loving oneself, relating to oneself, and finding oneself, which leads to sexual arousal. Autosexuality can be a broad term encompassing many different behaviours, desires, and feelings.

As an example, self-love is loving and admiring the body of the self to an extent that promotes sex. Self-bonus is masturbation or sex during the gratification of the self. Self-attraction is being in love or attracted to the self in particular, as defined from any other affair outside. It must be remembered that autosexuality is not an illness or disease but a way among the many ways human beings just happen to be sexual. Autosexuality, just as any other sexual attraction, is an actual part of sexual identity that must be investigated and honored.

The Origins and Psychology behind Autosexuality

Autosexuality comes in all forms, as with all other sexualities. To some, it may be because of self-importance, and to others, it may be because of some experiences they have had in life. Psychological and emotional things contribute a great deal to the way we view ourselves and what we desire.

  • Autosexuality and Self-Confidence: Other people attain autosexuality based on a good body image. They are at ease and satisfied when they are engaged in the act of loving themselves and therefore end up being attracted to themselves. Their bodies, thus, become a source of strength and beauty to such people.
  • Isolation or Loneliness Feelings: Others who have not been able to bond to others may shut themselves in and get sexual satisfaction from being alone. Such may be a result of emotional isolation or the unavailability of possible partners.
  • Body Image and Autosexuality: Autosexuality is also related to body image. Individuals who are accepting of themselves and happy with their body shape are likely to be attracted to themselves. Positive body image can manifest as self-confidence, and the same can come out in the form of being sexually attracted to.

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Is Autosexuality Narcissism?

One of the greatest myths about autosexuality is that it is narcissistic. While narcissism is the inflated self-regard and obsessive interest in one's appearance, autosexuality is not. Autosexuals are sexually appealing or pleasing to themselves because they are appealing or pleasing to themselves, not egotistically.

Narcissism is an individuality disorder with the symptoms of absence of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a need for excessive admiration by others. Autosexuality has none of those traits; it's simply the erotic desire for oneself outside of other people's endorsement.

The Different Types of Autosexuality

Autosexuality, like any other sexual orientation, can also be expressed differently by different individuals. Some sense it more, and for others, it is a secondary characteristic of their sexuality. Some of its possible expressions are listed below:

  • Self-Masturbation and Masturbation: Masturbation is, in most autosexuals, a sex act on one's own body. The action is frequently adapted to one's pleasure, with no or minimal consideration for others.
  • Self-Appreciation: Autosexuality could also be utilized to explain the liking or enjoyment of one's body shape. This could be an immense sexual or emotional attraction to one's own body.
  • Sexual Fantasy with Self: Other people are sexually capable of fantasizing about themselves, having romantic or sexual fantasies about themselves alone. Fantasies with oneself may be a means of experimenting with one's desire in a safe and intimate setting.

The Impact of Autosexuality on Relationships

For autosexuals, their sexual desire for themselves is not necessarily an indication of a lack of interest in other individuals. The majority of autosexuals still have romantic or sexual relationships with others, but this attraction to themselves can be an important aspect of their sexual identity. In being in a relationship, this attraction can be coupled with a desire for attachment to a partner, or it can be an aspect of their sexuality that is entirely separate and doesn't influence their interactions.

But if both of the individuals are autosexual and not, it might give rise to fights or misunderstandings. Communication and respect for the other partner are extremely crucial in any relationship, and they are equally important in this case. Autosexual people should let their partner know what they feel and what they prefer so both of them can receive it.

The Benefits of Embracing Autosexuality

While autosexuality is not commonly talked about, its acceptance can be positive in some respects, such as:

  • Greater Self-Knowledge: Through the discovery and learning of their sexual desires, autosexuals are likely to be aware of their sexual identities and orientations.
  • Greater Self-Esteem: Autosexuality promotes excessive self-love and self-admiration, which can be translated as greater self-esteem and a positive body image.
  • Autonomy of Sexual Expression: Autosexuals are free to decide their sexuality, free from expectations or pressures others might impose in external relationships.

Is Autosexuality Prevalent?

Though it's difficult to determine exactly how common autosexuality is, all indicators are that people are more common in autosexuality than they realize. According to sexual orientation research and questionnaires, most individuals admit to enjoying themselves at least once in their lives, though they're not autosexual. Perhaps the term is more common, but it is simply not openly discussed due to the social stigma associated with discovering and enjoying oneself.

A True Acceptance of All Sexuality

Autosexuality, like all sexual orientations, exists on the spectrum of human life. In embracing and learning autosexuality, we're closer to a world where all attraction and desire are understood and revered. Autosexuality either is or isn't going to be something that speaks to you, but it's crucial that we respect and honor the identity of individuals who do. Really, at its core, sexuality is learning how to see and love what makes us most ourselves.

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