Amatonormativity - "the assumption that a central, exclusive, amorous relationship is normal for humans, in that it is a universally shared goal, and that such a relationship is normative, in the sense that it should be aimed at in preference to other relationship types"
All my life I've been enveloped in the ideas and expectations that love and romance are the main life goals. Grow up, meet someone special, grow together, buy a place together and cohabitate, have children, and grow old together.
This stream of ideas led me to a self-deprecating and dysfunctional time in my life.
From self-harm to starvation to major depression, this mindset only worked to tear me apart. What made matters worse was that I was still trying to figure out my identity and sexuality.
Luckily, I managed to figure myself out and now I'm no longer attached to these ideas and expectations.
I value love in ways that are more than simply romance or romantic relationships.
Though that doesn't mean I don't want romantic love. I just no longer feel as if though I am afflicted by the complications of letting romantic expectations tear down friendships, familial relationships, and more practical relationships.
This new mindset has saved me. It has held me together and also broken me out of unnecessary issues.
I may no longer fit in with what is expected of me by society's standards, but I no longer care for fitting in or complying to amatonormativity.
June 27th, 2019
YOU ARE READING
In My Head
Non-FictionJust a place where I let the thoughts, ideas, tragedies, events and possibilities that thrive within me and the experiences I've lived be voiced and bear a place where others may understand them. •lower-case "i" intended •Cover made by me *Warning:...
