Lithromantic

Lithromantic describes someone who experiences romantic feelings but does not want those feelings to be reciprocated. They may find the idea of a mutual romantic relationship uncomfortable, frightening, or unappealing. The intensity of their romantic feelings may also diminish or disappear entirely when they realize that the other person is interested in them romantically. This differs from aromanticism, as lithromantic individuals still experience romantic attraction, just without the desire for a romantic relationship to result. They may enjoy the feeling of a crush, the idealized thought of romance, but not the reality of it.

Lithromantic meaning with examples

• Sarah developed intense romantic feelings for her friend, Mark. She loved imagining a future with him, but when he expressed similar feelings, she became distant and the romantic feelings faded. She realized she was lithromantic, enjoying the fantasy but not wanting reciprocity. The idea of a relationship with Mark made her anxious, and she preferred to keep things as they were – a one-sided crush.
• Despite having several romantic feelings, John identified as lithromantic because he became uncomfortable when the objects of his affections showed interest. He'd be thrilled by a secret crush but repulsed by the possibility of a date. He liked to create the love song fantasies in his head but disliked the real-world implications. John was comfortable with the fantasy, but the reality of the reciprocated feelings caused him to withdraw.
• Maria would often daydream about romantic scenarios and found herself getting infatuated with people. However, whenever someone showed interest in her, she'd lose the infatuation and the initial romantic feelings would disappear. It was disheartening to not have her feelings reciprocated but even more so if it did. Maria realized that the idea of the romance was more enjoyable than the reality, making her lithromantic.
• Alex experienced strong crushes on people but never wanted them to know. He found the thrill of a secret admiration exciting, filling his journal with love sonnets, but the thought of acting on those feelings or having them reciprocated made him want to hide. They realized that the thrill for them was the fantasy not the reality of romance, deciding that the term 'lithromantic' resonated with their experiences.
• For many years, Emily enjoyed developing crushes on fictional characters, savoring the imagined scenarios and emotional intensity. However, when friends encouraged her to try online dating, she found herself deeply uncomfortable. She realised that she was lithromantic, appreciating the thrill of unrequited feelings and the fantasy of romance but experiencing a loss of interest or discomfort if the object of her affection showed interest.