Symbiosexuality is a growing identity in the evolving landscape of human attraction. Unlike traditional sexual orientations based on physical traits or emotional attachment to individuals, symbiosexuals are drawn to the energy shared between people in a relationship. According to Dr. Sally Johnston of Seattle University, it’s not about being attracted to a person, but to the dynamic that emerges between them and others.
This attraction can exist in monogamous or polyamorous contexts, and often involves admiration—or desire—to be part of a strong, emotionally resonant bond. For many, the relationship itself becomes the object of desire, not just the people within it.
Symbiosexuality challenges conventional ideas of attraction by shifting the focus from individual traits to relational energy. This redefinition has resonated with a surprisingly diverse group of people, cutting across demographics and relationship styles.
As awareness grows, more individuals are finding language for experiences they couldn’t previously define. While some may view it as a trend, early research suggests symbiosexuality reflects a deeper shift in how people experience and understand desire.
It may be more than a label—it may be a new way of relating.
