'Sapiosexuality' explained as signs are revealed and more people come out

There's a chance you might be a sapiosexual — and these are the signs to know if you are.

There are so many different types of sexuality, many of which you may have never heard of. A perfect example of this is someone who is heteroflexible, something which has seen a rise in popularity of late.

What the heck is heteroflexibility, I hear you ask? This is when a straight person is more open, or flexible, should we say, to having same-sex experiences.

Like all sexualities, it's a spectrum. You might be someone who simply wouldn't rule out a same-sex encounter, or you could be someone who leans more towards identifying as bisexual.

And there's another type of sexuality you might not know of — sapiosexuality.

Sapiosexuals prioritize intellectual connections (Getty Stock)

What is sapiosexuality?

According to Very Well Mind, this is 'a type of sexuality that involves being more attracted by the contents of a person's mind than by the appearance of their body'.

The website goes on to explain: "To feel sexually attracted to another person, a sapiosexual person must first feel intellectually stimulated. Intelligence is often the first quality a person notices in a potential partner."

Sapiosexuality doesn't discriminate when it comes to straight or homosexual people either; anyone of any gender or sexual identity might be this way inclined.

A sign of sapiosexuality might be that you prefer more dates where you get really get to know someone better (Getty Stock)

Signs of sapiosexuality

One sign that you might be more attracted to someone's mind than their physical being is if you like deep conversations. This will help you and the other person express yourselves clearly, and if they can successfully do this, then it can be a sign of intelligence.

Another sign is if you're less bothered about someone's six-pack and would prefer they be well-read, for example.

Arguably, someone might have the body of a Greek god but has zero interest in discussing their beliefs, morals, and interests. If you're sapiosexual, it's unlikely this kind of person is for you.

A third sign is the type of dates you prefer. If you're the type of person who likes to go to a cosy bookstore or quiet café for a date with no distractions and you can really get to know your potential suitor, then you could well be sapiosexual.

These kinds of people are less bothered about someone's physique (Getty Stock)

What have the experts said about sapiosexuality?

Speaking to the Daily Mail back in 2023, Psychiatrist and Medical Educator Dr Ramya Mohan explained that sapiosexuality was a relatively new term.

"[Sapiosexuality] is a relatively new terminology that has broad connotations based on context," she said. "It is a term that has become more colloquial over the past couple of years or so."

Dr Mohan continued: "It is worth noting that sapiosexuality can be interpreted broadly, encompassing everything from a preferential seeking of intelligence in relationships or partnerships to a driving sexual and almost obsessional need for intelligence in a partner (above all other physical, emotional, gender-based and orientation-based attributes, preferences, and needs)."

Barbara Santini, a psychologist and sex advisor at Peaches and Screams, also noted that while sapiosexuals prioritize intelligence, 'physical attraction may still play a role in any relationship'.