Swara Bhasker and her husband Fahadh Ahmed have always been candid about their relationship. In a recent interview on Couple of Things, Fahadh revealed an important aspect of their bond, highlighting that the only thing they had in common when they first met in 2019 was their sexual orientation. He shared how they worked on overcoming their differences in caste, religion, and social backgrounds to build their relationship.
This remark by Fahadh raised questions about what “sexual orientation” means and why it’s important to understand it in relationships. Here’s a closer look at what this term means and why knowing your partner’s sexual orientation is crucial before committing to a relationship.
What Does Sexual Orientation Mean?
Sexual orientation refers to a person’s emotional, romantic, and physical attraction to others, which can be based on their gender identity. This is different from gender identity itself, which is how a person identifies within the spectrum of male, female, or non-binary.
In simpler terms, your sexual orientation defines whether you are attracted to the same gender, the opposite gender, or both. For example, in Swara Bhasker and Fahadh Ahmed’s case, Fahadh explained that both of them share the same sexual orientation—they are straight, meaning they are attracted to the opposite gender.
Why Is It Important to Know Someone’s Sexual Orientation?
Understanding sexual orientation before getting emotionally involved with someone is essential to avoid misunderstandings and heartbreak later. Imagine you like someone and start developing feelings for them. Over time, you get closer, but later you find out that the person is attracted to the same gender. While you may have viewed the bond as romantic, for the other person, it was purely friendship.
Knowing their sexual orientation early on can save you from emotional turmoil and disappointment. It helps both individuals understand each other’s feelings and intentions clearly, avoiding confusion in the future.
Potential Relationship Complications
Sexual orientation can also introduce complications in a relationship. For instance, if one partner identifies as bisexual or pansexual, and the other is uncomfortable with this, it could create challenges. Even in marriages, discovering differences in sexual orientation later can lead to misunderstandings or lack of acceptance.
Had these discussions taken place before entering a committed relationship, both partners could have made better-informed decisions. It’s important to have open conversations about sexual orientation to avoid emotional stress down the line.
Fahadh and Swara’s Bond: A Lesson in Understanding Differences
While Fahadh and Swara share the same sexual orientation, they worked hard to bridge the gap between their differences in religion, caste, and upbringing. Their story shows how understanding the fundamentals of a relationship, including sexual orientation, plays a vital role in building a strong connection.
Next time you’re getting close to someone, take a moment to discuss and understand their sexual orientation. It will save both of you from confusion, and help you form a more genuine connection.