15 Facts About Sapiosexuality You Need To Know

What does this word even mean? Many of us haven't heard the term before because it was literally birthed like yesterday. This is a person who finds intellect more attractive than the exterior. This is when one is intimately attracted to the mental rather than the physical. In other words a sapiosexual is who we all should have been if we weren't so damn shallow (not all of us of course.) Many haven't heard of saposexuality because it's a new term, so new that the only dictionary you will find the word in, is Urban Dictionary, which isn't exactly a credited source but is still a book of definitions of words also known as a dictionary. You've got to give it to them though; Urban Dictionary-ians do know the streets. The word recently made an appearance on screen this fall when the popular dating website OkCupid released new gender and sexual options, introducing to the masses what is known as “sapiosexual” (because that is what the world needs, more boxes to check). The word was first coined in 1998 and has been bounced around underhandedly for years, but is now trying to make a lasting comeback like Britney Spears and full on denim. Though the word has yet to be accepted into mainstream language, it has already gained some attention. The term derives from the Latin word “Sapiens” which means 'wise' and 'judicious'. Because of the words novelty, there isn't much to study about this one, but there are a few facts rolling around out there and we have been gracious enough to list them for you. Here are 15 facts about sapiosexuality:

15 It has nothing to do with gender

Most intimate categories define not only the 'what' but 'who'. Meaning if you are bi then you date both men and women and if you are gay then you date strictly the same sex, however sapiosexuality doesn't determine ones orientation. Though some would argue it is only to be used by straight couples, in truth sapiosexuality says nothing about gender. So in other words I can be attracted to a smart Becky or scholarly Bill. It is solely your preference. Intellect takes priority over everything else including gender. So a true sapiosexual won't be concerned with what's below your waist, it's what's on top that matters. Sapiosexuality is merely a way to describe how one expresses their sexuality not to define it.

14 It is questionable to some

Though it is indeed a term that some use to identify themselves; there are many nonbelievers that question whether 'sapiosexualty' is even a thing? Everybody is turned on by intelligence right? Nobody wants to be at dinner across from a date who can't carry on a conversation or better yet doesn't understand anything on the menu. So you want either a level of intellectual equality or his knowledge levels to be a bit higher. So could it be that we are all sapiosexuals? And if so is there really a need for yet another label? Is it more of a preference or a sexual identity? There are thousands of questions swarming the identity, however many psychologists have come forward and said that sapiosexuality is indeed an identity. However, there will always be skeptics. So decide for yourself and weigh your options.

13 Brains are definitely the best but not the only beauty

Sapiosexuals find intellect to be the most attractive feature about a person, but it's not the only thing. They're decisions to date may be primarily based on scholar and merit, however there may be other factors that play a part. Like gender for instance, it will essentially take a back seat to brainpower but it won't be totally dismissed. According to Marianne Brandon, a Maryland based clinical psychologist, “sapiosexuality is not a term used by sexual heath professionals”. She goes on to say, “it's not a sexual orientation anymore than being attracted to rich people is a sexual orientation.” There are studies conducted providing evidence to prove that intellect does indeed play a role in sexual attraction, so it is completely normal to sexualize the brain. But sapiosexuals aren't robots that only focus on the brains, there are plenty of other things they like.

12 This attraction can come from school

It is no secret that intellect is sexy. Forget about thick thighs, it's all about a thick mind. The more you have up there, the more stimulating your romantic relationships will be. Which makes complete sense that the role-playing of the hot librarian or the teacher and schoolgirl are two of the most popular and classic role playing scenarios. And, it falls in the top 10 most searched inquires on adult sites. Intimacy is rooted from our childhood. One of the first relationships we were ever introduced to was one of a superior intellectual caring for us. We definitely know that there is a strong connection between intimacy and academia because it is also a familiar relationship. So one can conclude that the term derived from the visualization of these scenarios. Whether it's a hot teacher or a late night study session there's definitely going to be some health education going on.

11 It is not the same for everyone

Now this attraction may differ from person to person because different people will define intellect differently. All sapiosexuals may not find or consider the same things intellectual. People also deem different things as intellectually stimulating. Some do not consider street smarts as intellect, however others may think that street smarts are enough. “For example, says Brandon, “some people would associate intelligence with power, others with geeky-ness, and others with someone who had few emotional needs. In this way, there would still be great variability among folks describing themselves as 'sapiosexual.'” We all associate different characteristics to intelligent people, so sapiosexuality is open for interpretation. Intelligence is not only different to different people, it also matures and develops, so it won't be the same for every person.

10 What makes them lose interest?

A sapiosexual may be initially attracted and caught up by your quick wit and cleverness but you have to have substance to keep them. A sapiosexual is turned off by a lack of intelligence. The turning off is almost immediately. The mind needs to be engaged for sexual attraction to be able to persist in a full on relationship. The physical can only keep someone interested for so long. Unfortunately the longer that it is that you are kept by physical attributes, the more shallow you and your relationship become. Sapiosexuality is definitely more than shallow, looking at lasting features versus things that can fade. However, some sapiosexuals because of this may come off as pretentious. So it can be a bit hard to truly know a sapiosexual and not make rash judgements.

9 It teaches us to date with meaning

Many who have heard of and are familiar with the term, support sapiosexuality. Sapiosexuality stands firmly against the idea of this hookup culture that millennials (and younger) seem to be consumed with. With the notion that relationships will be more meaningful because you are searching for long-term characteristics and substance rather than remaining shallow, we can faster weed out the apples who want something real versus the bad seeds. Now of course being a sapiosexual won't guarantee you a long and lasting relationship, but it is more likely that if you look for long-term and maturing traits in a partner you will have a more secure and strong foundation to build your relationship on. The more sizeable and profound the reasons you have for keeping something are often the reason it is still working.

8 There are ways to find out if you are

There are a few ways to find out if you fall under this category. Several websites have tests and quizzes in place for those either questioning their sapiosexuality or wondering if they can even identify as one. The site Lonerwolf was the first site to run a test, but they weren't the only ones. You can find quizzes on Buzzfeed and even ones (that may be more personal preference based) on OkCupid. The tests are made up of questions that rate your feelings and physical attraction towards a high level of aptitude and intellect by answering a series of yes or no or strongly agree and disagree questions. The similarities in different tests that can be found show that even though sapiosexuality does in fact differ for many, people who follow sapiosexuality do share some commonalities. Which brings me to my next point.

7 They have their own list

Sapiosexuality is left open to interpretation in many different aspects however; there are a few characteristics of the identity that remain the same no matter the person. For one, physical beauty doesn't seem to get you going at first, in fact it is not what will spark any attraction to someone. You might see a hot model standing idly or an older gentleman with thick glasses and an Anne Frank novel in hand. You would be attracted to the guy holding the book no matter how hot or un-hot they might be and regardless of gender. The sight of the studious act turns you on. Sapiosexuals seek intriguing conversations and are kept engaged by debates. They seek something other than being physically stimulated, they prefer knowing that someone can hold a proper conversation with them and keep them mentally entertained.

6 Their smart brain means a smart 'drive'

Keeping your partner engaged and excited in the bedroom isn't a job for dummies, you've got to be pretty clever and quick to keep up the momentum. It would seem as if smarts have a lot to do with a high intimate drive. Think about it, the ones with brains are usually the most driven, so if I had to bank on someone who knew how to really drive, it would be the smart guy. If you would agree with me, you would be correct. A well-known 'bedroom toy' company called Lovehoney found that there is in fact a direct correlation between a high IQ and Libido. The study's results showed that students from the most leading and exclusive universities were among the most constant and consistent 'bedroom toy' buyers. Bet you didn't know that before!

5 They have smart parts

Sapiosexuals aren't just concerned with what is inside of that beautiful brain of yours, but also the intellect below the waist and researchers have proved there's a lot to be said for what we can produce. I bet you didn't know that sperm is really smart? But I'm sure you put that together when you realized that blind and tiny sperms can travel and seemingly find their way home in your egg. Researchers from the University of Mexico tested the sperm of 400 men after putting the test subjects through an intense mental test. The study concluded that there was a connection between a man's virility and his intelligence. Men with higher IQs were found to have the healthiest swimmers. So in other words, the strongest swimmers come from the smartest men.

4 They know what it really means to be smart

Sapiosexuals are attracted to intelligence because they understand what it really means. You will never find a sapiosexual making fun of a brainiac because they respect knowledge and those who possess it. Sapiosexuals take pride in their relationship with someone of equal or higher intellect because they know what intelligence is worth. A mind is a terrible thing to waste and sapiosexuals make it their mission to do exactly the opposite. They love with their minds first and that is the underlying principle. Sapiosexuals know how important it is to be educated and knowledgeable, which is something they wouldn't take for granted. Understanding the worth of something allows you to really appreciate that thing on a more meaningful level and smarts is definitely something you should appreciate because unlike beauty, brains don't fade.

3 They like learning

Sapiosexuals will encourage meaningful conversations and actions. Sapiosexuals will also support pursuits of education and higher learning because that is what they find sexy. So the thing that a relationship finds sexy can truly benefit both sides of the relationship- that sounds like a winning couple to me. Sapiosexuals are turned on by knowledge and so the quest for knowledge is arousing. But more importantly, the continuous hunt for awareness and expertise is appealing. It will keep both parties engaged and that will ultimately lead you to a healthy relationship. Sapiosexuals like learning and seeking out those who have a passion for learning too. Of course there are different kinds of learning, but showing your enthusiasm for the books to a sapiosexual will reveal someone who is enthused about you.

2 Foreplay is a bit different

Foreplay to most of us is a make out session or maybe a little teasing. But things may not be the same for those attracted to intellect. Yes, sapiosexuals do get aroused one private part at a time, but their foreplay mainly consists of intellectual conversations and philosophical discussions. A sapiosexual gets all hot and bothered by reading chapters from Moby Dick instead of just the d… Personally I would take either, they sound closely related. Sapiosexuals are teased and excited by personal insight. So it's less of the heavy petting and more of heavy politics. Not saying a sapiosexual can't enjoy a good bedroom session but they might just get more from a psychological debate.

1 The brain is really hot

The best fact of all is that sapiosexuals are on to something big. Sexy is all in the mind. Factually speaking, the brain is the sexiest part about us. Science has proven that the brain is directly related to sex. Our brain is the biggest sex organ in our bodies and it is time it is recognized for being just that. Everyone thinks it's a hot bod and chiseled features, but it's actually an astute aptitude that really brings us to our knees. Cheers to the brain who is really bringing sexy back, sorry Timberlake. Sapiosexuals had the right idea when they created this sexual distinction. The brain's sexy is biological and you can't argue with logic. It seems like there's a lot of smart things going on with this sapiosexualness.