"Fetish" vs interest

I'm genuinely so confused as to what makes something a fetish versus just liking something. I see a lot of people (especially neurodivergent) get their special interests misinterpreted as fetishes, and a lot of "fetishes" just don't really seem like something that's an inherently sexual thing? People tried to convince me that some of my special interests were fetishes when I was 14 and it feels like I'm just getting groomed or gaslit even 14 years later. If other people like them for sexual reasons, fine, but don't project that onto me?? There are reasons to enjoy things besides sex, and I don't think enjoying something because it makes you happy makes it a fetish just because it's someone else's fetish? Am I crazy?

https://redd.it/1m2su21
@asexualityonreddit

Got into with my LESBIAN mother over me being asexual

So I’m not ashamed being asexual, and somebody asked me if I was gay or straight. I told them I was asexual, I’m 32 and I’ve known since I was 26. Even if the signs were there.

My mom lost it on me, and told me I can’t go around telling people that. That it’s nobody business but mine about being asexual.

I need to kept it quiet because it makes her uncomfortable. She wants me to tell people I’m straight, and I’m just waiting for the right guy to come along.

How she doesn’t think I’m asexual, and I just need to lighten up and let people in. I’m so sick of this.


https://redd.it/1m2z56b
@asexualityonreddit

Drog.
https://redd.it/1m2u3o1
@asexualityonreddit

I found this on insta and HAD to share it ☠️
https://redd.it/1m346wj
@asexualityonreddit

Funny Roblox Shirt

https://preview.redd.it/6gpcy0yr5ndf1.png?width=1287&format=png&auto=webp&s=01dadbc58174c0f1784dd22a1f49debe723a1b4a

Thought you guys would enjoy this as well. :)

https://redd.it/1m33jfe
@asexualityonreddit

A waste..?!

Chatting with someone recently who told me that my not desiring sexual relationships - as a somewhat conventionally attractive woman - was "a waste". Obviously first response was to look pretty disgusted and say "um, waste of what?"
Just had to vent a little as it's been playing on my mind a bit. Is it me or does this feel more than a little misogynistic..?

https://redd.it/1m36akn
@asexualityonreddit

I think my phone forgot I’m Ace…

https://redd.it/1m394yi
@asexualityonreddit

Went from silicon to tungsten rings

https://redd.it/1m2xrsl
@asexualityonreddit

Relatable
https://redd.it/1m3dsio
@asexualityonreddit

Why are Arab asexuals so rare? Are we just silent?

As an Algerian boy, I’ve identified as asexual for a while now — but I’ve never met another asexual person in real life, especially not from the Arab world.

In a region where sex, marriage, and having children are often seen as essential goals in life, being asexual can feel… invisible.

It makes me wonder:
Are Arab asexuals just rare, or are they just silent because of cultural pressure, fear, or lack of awareness?

I’d love to hear from any other Arabs here about your experience with asexuality. Do you feel seen? Do you talk about it openly? Have you found understanding in your circles?

This isn’t just about curiosity — it’s also about connection. I’d be glad to meet like-minded people who understand what it’s like to live this identity in our region.

https://redd.it/1m3ejl3
@asexualityonreddit

It has been done:)
https://redd.it/1m3ii1p
@asexualityonreddit

How did you realize your ace?

Definitely not questioning myself so hard so….

https://redd.it/1m3j0t6
@asexualityonreddit

My first crochet sweater for my first pride event 💜
https://redd.it/1m3kmq7
@asexualityonreddit

Garlic Bread phone case
https://redd.it/1m3mu2j
@asexualityonreddit

Becoming ace
https://redd.it/1m3oyos
@asexualityonreddit

I’m ace, my partner isn’t.

Hi folks,

My partner and I have been together almost 3 years, and it’s the most wonderful relationship I’ve ever had - we love each other to death. I explained that I was ace very early on and she’s been very accepting of it.

The issue is that although she accepts me for who I am and respects my inability to have a sexual relationship, she’s having difficulty recently with missing physicality. It’s been upsetting her and I feel awful about it. I class myself as poly and I’ve said that I’m more than happy for her to find a second more sexual partner, but she doesn’t feel comfortable with that for various reasons that I completely respect.

Does anyone have advice for this situation? I don’t want to be the reason she feels sad or like she’s missing something but I really don’t know what to do - I’m only getting more and more along the ace spectrum as I get older and I don’t think I could have sex even if I wanted to. I just want to make her happy, and this is literally the only thing that’s a wrinkle in our relationship.

Thanks in advance.

https://redd.it/1m3oz2l
@asexualityonreddit

Is it weird to enjoy masturbating but hate sex with another person? How does that work in a relationship?

I realized late in life (in my 40’s) that I just genuinely hate having sex with people. I always thought maybe I just hadn’t found the right person, so I kept searching and forcing myself to sleep with people even though I dreaded it every time. I finally gave up my search this year after learning that I am a sex-averse ace.

But I still enjoy masturbating, which is what is really confusing to me. I don’t know how to get into a relationship and tell someone I have no interest in them sexually but then turn around and take care of myself every night to go to sleep.

Anyone else have this experience?

https://redd.it/1m3rmeh
@asexualityonreddit