Eriattraction

Eriattraction means a type of attraction that is non-sexual and non-romantic. It is a term proposed to replace the currently existing term of Tertiary Attraction, since the term tertiary attraction is considered a problematic term due to the hierarchy of the words primary, secondary and tertiary, which would make it seem like non-romantic and non-sexual attraction is inferior to romantic and sexual attraction.

Eriattraction can encompass one or more types of non-romantic and/or non-sexual attraction, such as:


 * Sensual Attraction
 * Aesthetic Attraction
 * Platonic Attraction
 * Queerplatonic Attraction
 * Alterous Attraction

The term eriattraction can also be used as an umbrella term the same way tertiary attraction has been used to describe multiple types of non-romantic and/or non-sexual attractions at once. For example someone who experiences sensual and aesthetic attraction could simply state they experience eriattraction if they prefer using an umbrella term rather than using the individual attraction terms.

Eriattraction is common in, but not exclusive to people on the aromantic and asexual spectrums.

History
The term was coined by Tumblr user confused-moon in May 2021 as an alternative to the term tertiary.

The affix of the term eriattraction comes from the Finnish word erilainen, meaning different.