As our understanding of human connection deepens, so does our vocabulary for describing it. Enter “symbiosexuality,” a newly identified form of attraction that is less about a single person and more about the magnetic field they create with someone else. Imagine being drawn not to one individual, but to the vibrant, cohesive energy that exists between two people in a relationship. This is the core of symbiosexual attraction, a concept that is reshaping how we think about love, desire, and the invisible bonds that tie people together.
Research from Seattle University has brought this concept into the spotlight. The study, published in a leading social science journal, defines symbiosexuality as an attraction to the shared power and multidimensionality of a relationship. Dr. Sally Johnston, the anthropologist behind the research, suggests we need to expand our perspective beyond one-to-one attractions. She argues that human desire can be more complex, sometimes fixating on the beautiful synergy of a partnership. It’s the difference between being attracted to a solo musician and being captivated by the perfect harmony of a duet.
People who experience this form of attraction often describe it in terms of energy and cohesion. They are intrigued by how a couple interacts, how they communicate without words, and how their individual strengths complement each other to form a powerful unit. One study participant noted the appeal of a couple’s “interplay,” while another was drawn to the evidence of a healthy, successful partnership. The attraction isn’t just to two separate people; it’s to the physical and emotional “vibe” they create together, a dynamic that can feel more compelling than any single trait.
It’s easy to confuse symbiosexuality with polyamory, but they are distinct. Polyamory is a relationship structure where individuals maintain multiple romantic partnerships. Symbiosexuality, however, is an orientation of attraction—it’s about what or who you find appealing. A symbiosexual person might feel a pull towards a specific couple because of their unique dynamic, regardless of whether they pursue a relationship with them. This distinction is important for understanding the nuanced ways in which people experience desire, separate from the choices they make about their relationship style.
The conversation around symbiosexuality also critically examines the role of the “unicorn”—a term for a person who joins a couple, often with limited power in the dynamic. Dr. Johnston points out that this role can be inherently unequal. By recognizing and validating symbiosexual attraction, there is hope for building more ethical frameworks for multi-partner connections. This new language provides a foundation for understanding, offering a sense of identity and community for those who find that their attractions are defined by the magical chemistry that exists between others.
