More people than ever are beginning to identify as “symbiosexual” — and the growing interest in this concept highlights just how diverse human sexuality can be.
Sexuality is a deeply complex part of human identity, shaped by a combination of biological, emotional, psychological, social, and cultural influences. It involves far more than just sexual orientation or actions; it includes attraction, desires, emotional bonds, and personal experiences, all of which can evolve throughout a person’s life.
The way individuals understand and express their sexuality can be affected by their upbringing, surroundings, cultural expectations, and personal journeys. Religious values, social traditions, and outside pressures can also create challenges, sometimes causing people to question or struggle with their own feelings.
This is where the concept of symbiosexuality comes in.
Throughout history, love triangles and complex relationship dynamics have been common themes in stories and culture. Now, researchers suggest that these ideas may reflect a previously overlooked form of attraction.
A recent study from Seattle University explored the experiences of people who identify as “symbiosexual.” According to researchers, these individuals are not primarily attracted to one person alone, but rather to the connection, chemistry, and emotional energy that exists between people who are already in a relationship.
Symbiosexuality has been described as an attraction to “the energy, depth, and power shared between people in relationships.” Researchers have suggested that this attraction focuses on the unique bond and dynamic created by a couple, rather than only the connection between an individual and one other person.
The study, which involved 373 participants discussing aspects of their sexual and gender identities, found that many participants experienced romantic or sexual attraction toward the “synergy” created when another person becomes part of an existing relationship.
As relationships and conversations around intimacy continue to expand, researchers believe these experiences deserve further exploration.
Dr. Sally Johnston, an adjunct professor of anthropology and sociology who led the research, suggested that society may need to reconsider the idea that attraction only happens between two individuals.
Further findings indicated that people experiencing this type of attraction often felt misunderstood or overlooked, even within communities that embrace non-traditional relationship structures. Researchers noted that a lack of awareness and acceptance could sometimes lead to the third person in a relationship feeling excluded or unfairly treated.
According to Johnston, the research challenges traditional ideas about desire and sexual orientation while highlighting the need to recognize experiences that have previously received little attention.
Her interest in studying symbiosexuality began after hearing people openly describe their attraction toward established couples. She explained that she wanted to better understand this relatively unexplored form of attraction.
During interviews conducted as part of the research, participants shared their personal experiences. One participant, referred to as “Hayden,” explained that they were drawn to couples because of their “cohesiveness,” saying that the connection and energy between partners played an important role in their attraction.
Another participant, “Sage,” described wanting to become part of that existing bond, explaining that their ideal relationship dynamic could involve themselves and a couple together.
Although research into symbiosexuality is still in its early stages, experts expect more studies to emerge in the coming years as society’s understanding of attraction, relationships, and identity continues to evolve.
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