emotionalsexual

Emotionalsexual is a self-applied descriptor used in discussions of human sexuality to indicate that sexual attraction is strongly contingent on emotional connection. People who identify as emotionalsexual typically report that emotional intimacy, trust, empathy, vulnerability, or deep emotional resonance are primary catalysts for sexual arousal, more so than physical appearance or stimuli alone. It is not a formal diagnosis or widely recognized orientation in clinical taxonomies; rather, it is a personal label used within online communities and dating contexts.

Relation to other terms: Similar to demisexual and to a lesser extent sapiosexual, but distinct in emphasis; while demisexual denotes attraction after forming a strong emotional bond, emotionalsexual centers emotional processes as the trigger for arousal; some individuals may describe their experience as overlapping with multiple labels.

Context and usage: The term appears in personal profiles and discussion threads and is used to communicate preferences for emotional safety and meaningful connection in sexual relationships. It may be cited alongside other orientations to help partners understand consent and pacing.

Criticism and limitations: Lacks scholarly standardization; may be underspecified; potential confusion with general relationship dynamics; as with all identity terms, respect for self-definition is primary.

See also: demisexual, sapiosexual, allosexual, romantic orientation terms.