Heterosexuality

Heterosexuality is a way that some people feel attraction toward others of the opposite sex. This can include romantic feelings, close emotional bonds, or physical closeness. People who feel this kind of attraction are often called straight.

Heterosexuality is one of the main types of attraction people can have, along with feeling attraction toward more than one sex or feeling attraction toward the same sex. In many places and cultures throughout history, being attracted to the opposite sex has been seen as the most common and usual way for people to feel.

Scientists study why people have different types of attraction, but they do not fully understand all the reasons yet. They believe that many things work together, such as genes, body chemistry, and life experiences, to shape how a person feels attracted to others. It is important to understand that attraction is not something a person can just choose to change or decide differently.

Terminology

The word "heterosexual" combines two older words: one from Greek meaning "different" and one from Latin meaning "related to a person’s sex." This word was first used in the 1800s by a writer named Karl Maria Kertbeny. It became more commonly used in the 1900s.

People sometimes shorten "heterosexual" to "hetero." Another common word for this is "straight," which started as a phrase meaning to live in a way that follows traditional ideas about relationships. Some people feel this word suggests that others are not normal, which they do not like.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of sexual orientation

Most people feel a special kind of love or attraction toward someone of the opposite gender. This is often called being straight. Studies show that about 90% to 98% of people have only felt this way toward the opposite gender at some point in their lives.

Surveys from different countries show similar results. For example, in Britain, around 95% of people say they are straight, while in the United States, about 96% of adults identify this way. These numbers have stayed fairly consistent over time, showing that feeling attraction toward the opposite gender is very common for most people.

Academic study

Main articles: Biology and sexual orientation and Environment and sexual orientation

Scientists think that many things work together to shape how people feel romantic or emotional connections, including genes, hormones before a baby is born, and life experiences. They believe that biology — things inside our bodies — plays a big role, especially for boys.

Main articles: Prenatal hormones and sexual orientation and Neuroscience and sexual orientation

Hormones before birth, like testosterone, help shape how the brain develops. These hormones affect both boys and girls and may help explain why some people feel stronger romantic connections with people of the opposite gender.

Main articles: Animal sexual behaviour and Mating

See also: Pair bond and Mating call

In the animal world, many species come together in specific ways to have families. This doesn’t always mean they “feel” the same way humans do about romance, but it shows how important these connections can be for continuing life.

Main articles: Sexual identity and Sexual fluidity

For most people, how they feel about romance stays the same throughout their lives. But research shows that sometimes, especially for girls and women, these feelings can change a little over time.

Main article: Sexual orientation change efforts

Some people have tried methods to change how they feel about romance, but scientists and health experts say these efforts don’t work. They believe that how we feel about romance isn’t something we can choose to change.

Society and culture

See also: History of human sexuality and Human mating strategies

A couple made up of a man and a woman often forms the center of a family group. In many places and times, people believed that a couple should get married before they live together, though not all followed this rule.

Heterosexuality has been shown in symbols for thousands of years. Early humans used symbols connected to fertility and gods and goddesses to show ideas about relationships between men and women. Today, some cultures still use ancient symbols to represent these relationships. For example, the Mars symbol for men and the Venus symbol for women are still used to show masculine and feminine qualities.

Different religions have different views on relationships between men and women. Many believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, while some allow other types of relationships. Most religions see marriage between a man and a woman as good, but a few believe all sexual activity is wrong and teach people to live without marrying or having relationships.

Some people believe that everyone should be heterosexual and that this is the only right way to be. This idea can lead to unfair treatment of people who feel differently about their relationships. Others believe that all types of relationships should be respected equally.