Bisexuals have often been depicted as struggling to navigate their own identities due to societal pressure.
Little is known about how bisexuals understand love. This study explores the ways that bisexual individuals conceptualize love as a process of continual negotiation between self and other. It examines the various factors that influence this negotiation and how it shapes their experiences of intimacy and connection. The article concludes with recommendations for future research directions.
A total of 20 participants were recruited through online platforms using snowball sampling. Each participant completed an open-ended questionnaire on their experience of love in romantic and/or sexual contexts. Participants were asked to describe their personal definition of love, including what it means to them and how they negotiate its meaning with partners. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicated that bisexual individuals conceptualized love as a dynamic process involving multiple layers of negotiation. They described engaging in a dialogue with themselves and others to reach mutually satisfying conclusions about love.
The findings suggest that love is a complex and multifaceted construct that varies across time and space. Bisexual individuals reported experiencing unique challenges related to negotiating their identities within heteronormative society. These included feeling pressure to conform to traditional gender roles or avoid discrimination from LGBTQ+ communities. Participants also discussed negotiating different levels of emotional, physical, and intellectual intimacy with partners. Some expressed frustration at lacking clarity around expectations and boundaries, while others felt empowered by having more control over their relationships.
This study has implications for understanding the complexity of bisexual identity and its impact on romantic and sexual relationships. Future research should explore the role of culture, gender, and power dynamics in shaping these negotiations.
Studies could examine the ways that bisexuals navigate their own identities and the intersections of sexuality, race, class, and other social factors.
This study highlights the importance of understanding bisexual individuals' experiences of love and provides insights into how we might better support their well-being.
How do bisexual individuals conceptualize love as a process of continual negotiation between self and other?
Bisexual individuals may view love as a dynamic and ongoing process that involves both an individual's internal sense of self and their connection with others. They may see themselves as engaging in continuous dialogue and negotiation with partners about what love means to them personally and how it can be expressed in their relationship.