As well as identifying as demi, I know I’m towards the aro side of things too. A lot of romantic gestures make me feel awkward and uncomfortable in RL. My SO and I have a weekly date night for his benefit, but he’s done a lot to ensure that it’s quite low key so it doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable. I get what many romantic acts and gestures are but much of it really does make me shudder.

I feel ya. I’m aro but I didn’t know that was an actual thing until about a year ago. It might’ve made my last relationship better if I would have understood that and my fiance wouldn’t’ve felt like I didn’t want to with him because cuddling and PDA and romantic gestures make me super uncomfortable. 

It;s good though that your SO keeps it lowkey and helps you be more comfortable. 

Like you, if it’s a plot point I get it, and I can read it. However, IRL I’m useless. I can never tell if I’m flirting or being flirted with unless I’ve been drinking. Then I know I’m flirting (because I am super obvious and my flirting is like “you have pretty eyes and I think you’re super hot”).