Symbiosuality: Understanding the New Term Redefining Attraction and Relationships
Introduction
In today’s world, conversations about identity, attraction, and relationships continue to expand in fascinating ways. As researchers, therapists, and communities gain deeper insights into human connection, new terms emerge that better describe people’s lived experiences. One of the latest is “symbiosuality” — a word that has recently entered public discussion, helping individuals define a unique type of attraction that doesn’t focus on single individuals but rather on the dynamic energy of couples or established relationships.
While the term is new, the experiences it describes are not. Many people across different backgrounds have long felt drawn to the chemistry and synergy that exists between two (or more) people in a committed relationship. Symbiosuality offers language to describe that feeling and provides a space for people to better understand themselves.
In this article, we will explore what symbiosuality means, where the concept comes from, how it is being studied, and why it matters in broader discussions of identity, attraction, and acceptance.
What Does Symbiosuality Mean?
According to early research, symbiosuality refers to attraction toward the bond, energy, and dynamics of people in an existing relationship, rather than solely toward one individual.
Instead of being drawn exclusively to men, women, or people of certain gender identities, someone who identifies as symbiosual finds themselves captivated by the shared intimacy and connection between a couple. This can include married partners, long-term couples, or even those in multi-partner relationships.
Importantly, symbiosuality is not about gender preference. Rather, it highlights how attraction can stem from the emotional, relational, and energetic interplay between people, offering a new lens on human desire and connection.
How Is Symbiosuality Different From Other Identities?
It’s important to distinguish symbiosuality from other well-known orientations:
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Bisexuality and pansexuality: Both involve attraction to people across multiple genders. Symbiosuality, however, is not primarily about gender. It focuses on the relationship dynamic rather than individual characteristics.
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Polyamory: This is a relationship style where people engage in multiple loving or intimate relationships with the consent of all involved. Symbiosuality is distinct because it does not require participation in those relationships. Instead, it is about being attracted to the energy of the couple itself.
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Voyeurism or preference for threesomes: Symbiosuality is not limited to physical acts or fantasies. It can be more about emotional resonance, admiration, or fascination with a couple’s connection.
What Research Tells Us
The term gained visibility after Dr. Sally W. Johnston, a researcher specializing in sexuality studies, discussed it in the Archives of Sexual Behavior. Dr. Johnston analyzed data from the 2023 Pleasure Study, which surveyed nearly 400 participants about their identities and attractions.
The findings were striking:
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Roughly 145 participants reported being more attracted to couples than to individuals.
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Motivations varied. Some admired the couple’s secure attachment, while others felt drawn to the way couples balanced gender roles, energy, or aesthetics.
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For some, it was about validation. One participant shared: “You feed off their energy, their attraction to each other… there’s an interplay that feels magnetic.”
These insights suggest that symbiosuality is not rare — it simply lacked a widely recognized term until now.
Real-Life Perspectives
Relationship experts like Dr. Wendy Walsh, professor of psychology and relationship commentator, have weighed in on the phenomenon. She notes that attraction to couples often comes from admiration of their bond. For some, it may feel inspiring or comforting to witness a deep connection.
Others say it stems from a desire to feel included in a larger emotional dynamic, rather than relying on intimacy with just one individual. This nuance makes symbiosuality stand out from more traditional orientations.
Why Language Matters
Having words like symbiosuality is more than academic. It gives people a sense of validation and identity. Without language, experiences can feel isolating or misunderstood. By naming these feelings, individuals can:
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Find community with others who share similar experiences.
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Understand themselves better in the context of attraction.
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Push back against stereotypes or misconceptions about what attraction “should” look like.
This aligns with a broader cultural shift where diverse identities are acknowledged and respected.
Common Misconceptions
Like many new terms, symbiosuality faces skepticism. Some critics dismiss it as a “trend” or confuse it with voyeuristic behavior. However, researchers emphasize that it’s not about fetishizing couples but about appreciating the emotional and relational energy they share.
Another misconception is that symbiosuals cannot form their own relationships. In reality, many symbiosuals maintain committed partnerships while still recognizing this unique form of attraction.
The Broader Context of Human Connection
Symbiosuality also speaks to a larger truth: attraction is incredibly diverse. For centuries, cultural expectations narrowed how people could define themselves. Today, people are more open about discussing the full spectrum of attraction and relationships.
By recognizing experiences like symbiosuality, society moves toward greater inclusivity and nuance in conversations about identity.
Health, Well-being, and Relationships
Understanding one’s identity has clear implications for mental health. People who lack language to describe their experiences often report:
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Feelings of isolation.
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Anxiety or shame.
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Difficulty explaining themselves to partners.
On the other hand, having terminology like symbiosuality can promote:
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Self-acceptance: Knowing there’s nothing “wrong” with your feelings.
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Better communication: Partners can understand each other more clearly.
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Confidence: Labels can empower people to embrace their uniqueness.
Symbiosuality in Popular Culture
Although the term is new, the concept has quietly appeared in media and literature for years. Characters in novels, films, or online discussions often describe attraction to a couple’s dynamic, without a precise word for it. Now, symbiosuality offers that missing piece.
Final Thoughts
The emergence of the term symbiosuality is another step in expanding the language of human identity and attraction. While it may be new to many, the experiences it captures are not unusual. From admiration of a couple’s chemistry to feeling drawn to the interplay of energy within relationships, this orientation highlights how diverse human attraction truly is.
For some, the label may feel unnecessary. For others, it can be life-changing — providing validation, connection, and understanding. As research continues and more voices join the conversation, symbiosuality will likely become a familiar term in discussions of identity and relationships.
In the end, it reminds us that attraction is about much more than physical appearance or gender. It’s also about the energy, intimacy, and connection between people — and for symbiosuals, that bond is where the real beauty lies.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
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