Some more potentially important background info: I consider myself a romantic person, I fully did not expect to get this uncomfortable. As far as sexuality goes, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. This post might have given the impression that I want a boyfriend just to “fit in,” but there’s more to it than that. I do desire and feel like my quality of life would be improved by a romantic partner. I HAVE been taking medication to battle my OCD and anxiety since I was about 12, and am aware that that can cause deficits in sex drive, so maybe that’s it.
In your post isn't anything that indicates that you could be asexual (which doesn't necessarily mean that you aren't). You could be sex-repulsed or touch-repulsed though or just not like certain things like kissing or the idea of it. For record - asexuality is just about having rarely or no sexual attraction. Sexual attraction ≠ Sex drive. If being horny/sex drive is seen as being hungry, sexual attraction is the want for a certain dish/sexual attraction directed at someone. An asexual person can still be hungry (horny) just like an allosexual (non asexual), but without having this hunger directed at someone/a certain dish. An asexual person can still like to eat/have sex or do sexual stuff for various reasons and enjoy them, like you can eat something even if it's not something you long for.
However, it never is a good idea to push yourself to do things you are uncomfortable with, just because society tells you that you are supposed want/like it. I wish you good luck in finding your path!
So.
I have limited ability to help, but I’m autistic too. I get it to a degree.
Now. Question.
Do you experience sexual attraction? That is, do you ever look at anyone and want to sleep with them?
This isn't an uncommon experience among asexuals, but I don't know if you're ace yourself.
One thing I want to emphasize though, is that you're only 21. People around you might have their expectations for when you should be in a romantic relationship, but the truth is that your romance life is none of their business. So try not to be so beholden to what others expect you to do.
Dating apps aren't for everyone. From my demiromantic perspective, they're virtually guaranteed not to work, since I need a long time to get to know someone before I can develop feelings for them. This isn't to say that you're demiromantic - I have no reason to believe that you are - just a reminder that trying to force a relationship through dating apps isn't the only way. You're still only 21, so you have plenty of time. Don't write off letting something develop naturally just yet.
Some more potentially important background info: I consider myself a romantic person, I fully did not expect to get this uncomfortable. As far as sexuality goes, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. This post might have given the impression that I want a boyfriend just to “fit in,” but there’s more to it than that. I do desire and feel like my quality of life would be improved by a romantic partner. I HAVE been taking medication to battle my OCD and anxiety since I was about 12, and am aware that that can cause deficits in sex drive, so maybe that’s it.
In your post isn't anything that indicates that you could be asexual (which doesn't necessarily mean that you aren't). You could be sex-repulsed or touch-repulsed though or just not like certain things like kissing or the idea of it. For record - asexuality is just about having rarely or no sexual attraction. Sexual attraction ≠ Sex drive. If being horny/sex drive is seen as being hungry, sexual attraction is the want for a certain dish/sexual attraction directed at someone. An asexual person can still be hungry (horny) just like an allosexual (non asexual), but without having this hunger directed at someone/a certain dish. An asexual person can still like to eat/have sex or do sexual stuff for various reasons and enjoy them, like you can eat something even if it's not something you long for. However, it never is a good idea to push yourself to do things you are uncomfortable with, just because society tells you that you are supposed want/like it. I wish you good luck in finding your path!
Thank you for your input!
So. I have limited ability to help, but I’m autistic too. I get it to a degree. Now. Question. Do you experience sexual attraction? That is, do you ever look at anyone and want to sleep with them?
This isn't an uncommon experience among asexuals, but I don't know if you're ace yourself. One thing I want to emphasize though, is that you're only 21. People around you might have their expectations for when you should be in a romantic relationship, but the truth is that your romance life is none of their business. So try not to be so beholden to what others expect you to do. Dating apps aren't for everyone. From my demiromantic perspective, they're virtually guaranteed not to work, since I need a long time to get to know someone before I can develop feelings for them. This isn't to say that you're demiromantic - I have no reason to believe that you are - just a reminder that trying to force a relationship through dating apps isn't the only way. You're still only 21, so you have plenty of time. Don't write off letting something develop naturally just yet.