Are you and your partner more like roommates than lovers these days? Feeling a little, well, roomie in the bedroom? Fear not, my friends - you’re not alone! In fact, there’s a whole world of terms and classifications for this mysterious phenomenon we like to call the “sexless relationship.”

From the surprisingly common to the downright bizarre, get ready to dive deep into the juicy details of what to call your connection when the physical intimacy has fizzled. Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just plain confused, this list has something for everyone. So sit back, get cozy, and let’s explore the wild and wonderful world of what is a sexless relationship called.

1. The “Roommate” Situation

Perhaps the most obvious term for a sexless relationship is the “Roommate.” When you and your partner have essentially become glorified housemates - sharing expenses, chores, and companionship, but without the physical spark, you’ve officially entered Roommate Territory. This can be a tricky situation, as the lines between romantic partner and platonic friend become increasingly blurred.

The Upside: No Pressure

The upside? There’s no pressure to “perform” or meet anyone’s expectations in the bedroom. You can simply enjoy each other’s company without the added stress of sexual intimacy. Many couples in Roommate-esque relationships find this liberating, at least for a time.

The Downside: Lack of Emotional Intimacy

The downside, of course, is the potential lack of emotional intimacy that can come with the Roommate dynamic. Without that physical connection, it can be challenging to maintain the deep bond that once characterized your relationship. It’s a delicate balance, and one that requires open communication and a willingness to address the underlying issues.

2. The “Best Friends” Scenario

Another common term for a sexless relationship is the “Best Friends” scenario. In this case, you and your partner have essentially become inseparable companions - sharing everything from inside jokes to weekend getaways - but the romantic element has fizzled out.

The Upside: Unwavering Support

The upside here is the unwavering support and companionship that comes with a true best friendship. You can lean on each other, confide your deepest secrets, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of physical intimacy.

The Downside: Unrequited Desire

The downside, however, is the potential for unrequited desire. If one partner still craves the physical connection, while the other is content with the platonic arrangement, it can lead to resentment, frustration, and a breakdown in the relationship.

3. The “Celibate” Situation

For some couples, the sexless relationship is a conscious choice, a state of “Celibacy” that they’ve embraced for religious, personal, or philosophical reasons. This can be a deeply fulfilling and meaningful arrangement, but it requires a shared commitment and understanding from both partners.

The Upside: Spiritual Growth

The upside of the Celibate situation is the opportunity for spiritual growth and self-reflection. Without the distractions of physical intimacy, couples can focus on deepening their emotional and intellectual connection, as well as their individual and collective journeys of personal development.

The Downside: Potential Resentment

The downside, however, is the potential for resentment if one partner is more committed to the Celibate lifestyle than the other. It’s essential that both individuals are on the same page and fully embrace this choice, or it can lead to feelings of frustration and a sense of emotional disconnect.

4. The “Asexual” Dynamic

In some cases, a sexless relationship may be the result of one or both partners identifying as Asexual - that is, experiencing little to no sexual attraction or desire. This is a valid sexual orientation, and it’s important to respect and accommodate it within the context of a relationship.

The Upside: Mutual Understanding

The upside of the Asexual dynamic is the mutual understanding and acceptance of each other’s needs and boundaries. When both partners are on the same page about their Asexuality, it can lead to a deep, fulfilling relationship built on emotional intimacy and shared values.

The Downside: Potential Mismatched Desires

The downside, however, is the potential for mismatched desires if one partner is Asexual and the other is not. This can be a complex and challenging situation, requiring open communication, empathy, and a willingness to find a compromise or alternative arrangement that meets both individuals’ needs.

5. The “Platonic” Partnership

In some instances, a sexless relationship may be best described as a “Platonic” Partnership. This is a relationship where the emotional, intellectual, and companionship aspects take precedence over the physical, and the partners have consciously chosen to maintain a non-sexual dynamic.

The Upside: Deeper Emotional Connection

The upside of the Platonic Partnership is the opportunity to cultivate a deeper emotional connection, free from the distractions and expectations of physical intimacy. This can allow for a more profound level of understanding, trust, and shared purpose.

The Downside: Societal Pressure

The downside, however, is the potential for societal pressure and misunderstanding. Platonic Partnerships may be viewed as “less than” or “incomplete” by those who subscribe to traditional notions of romantic relationships, which can be a source of frustration and isolation for the partners involved.

6. The “Aromantic” Scenario

In some cases, a sexless relationship may be the result of one or both partners identifying as Aromantic - meaning they experience little to no romantic attraction or desire for emotional intimacy. This is a valid and often misunderstood sexual and romantic orientation.

The Upside: Emotional Freedom

The upside of the Aromantic scenario is the emotional freedom and lack of pressure to conform to societal expectations of romantic relationships. Aromantic individuals can thrive in connections that prioritize companionship, shared interests, and mutual respect over traditional romantic ideals.

The Downside: Societal Misunderstanding

The downside, however, is the potential for societal misunderstanding and marginalization. Aromantic individuals may face dismissal or invalidation of their identity, which can be a source of stress and isolation within their relationships and personal lives.

7. The “Sexless Marriage” Dilemma

In some cases, a sexless relationship may manifest as a “Sexless Marriage” - a situation where the physical intimacy has dwindled or disappeared entirely, despite the couple’s legal and social commitment to one another.

The Upside: Emotional Stability

The upside of the Sexless Marriage dilemma is the emotional stability and security that can come with a long-term, committed partnership. Even without the physical component, the shared history, financial entanglement, and sense of family can provide a strong foundation for the relationship.

The Downside: Resentment and Dissatisfaction

The downside, however, is the potential for resentment, frustration, and deep dissatisfaction if one or both partners are unhappy with the lack of physical intimacy. This can lead to feelings of rejection, loneliness, and a sense of disconnect that can erode the emotional and mental well-being of the individuals involved.

8. The “Companionate” Connection

In some instances, a sexless relationship may be best described as a “Companionate” Connection - a partnership built primarily on shared interests, activities, and a deep platonic bond, rather than physical attraction or sexual desire.

The Upside: Lifelong Friendship

The upside of the Companionate Connection is the potential for a lifelong friendship and support system, where the partners can rely on each other for emotional and practical support without the pressure of physical intimacy.

The Downside: Lack of Romantic Fulfillment

The downside, however, is the potential lack of romantic fulfillment for one or both partners. If one individual craves the passion and excitement of a traditional romantic relationship, the Companionate Connection may leave them feeling unfulfilled and yearning for something more.

9. The “Demisexual” Scenario

In some cases, a sexless relationship may be the result of one or both partners identifying as Demisexual - meaning they only experience sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional bond with a person.

The Upside: Deeper Emotional Connection

The upside of the Demisexual scenario is the opportunity to cultivate a deeper emotional connection as a prerequisite for physical intimacy. This can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful sexual relationship, built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.

The Downside: Societal Pressure

The downside, however, is the potential for societal pressure and misunderstanding. Demisexual individuals may face skepticism or invalidation of their identity, which can be a source of stress and frustration within their relationships and personal lives.

10. The “Evolved” Partnership

Finally, in some cases, a sexless relationship may be the result of a conscious, “Evolved” Partnership - where the couple has intentionally moved beyond the physical aspects of their relationship to focus on deeper emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connection.

The Upside: Transcendence of Physical Needs

The upside of the Evolved Partnership is the opportunity to transcend physical needs and focus on the higher, more fulfilling aspects of the relationship. This can lead to a profound sense of unity, purpose, and spiritual growth.

The Downside: Societal Pressure and Misunderstanding

The downside, however, is the potential for societal pressure and misunderstanding. Evolved Partnerships may be viewed as “incomplete” or “less than” by those who subscribe to traditional notions of romantic relationships, which can be a source of frustration and isolation for the partners involved.