Amatonormativity

Amatonormativity is the widespread assumption that everyone is better off in an exclusive, long-term romantic relationship and that this is a shared human goal everyone should aim for. Philosopher Elizabeth Brake coined the term, defining it as the belief that a central, amorous partnership is both normal and something people should prioritize over other relationships. The concept critiques how this focus devalues friendships, family bonds, and single life, and how it shapes law, insurance, housing, and media that treat romantic couples as the default. Amatonormativity is especially relevant to aromantic, asexual, and polyamorous communities, whose lives fall outside its expectations. Everyday examples include assuming close friends must be dating or treating a person without a partner as incomplete.