The Split Attraction Model (SAM)
*keep in mind, not everyone uses or accepts this model, and wherever you stand with this model, you are valid. This is purely informational, not a guideline.
The Split Attraction Model (SAM) differentiates attraction into different forms.
The SAM allows individuals to describe their orientations separately, for example, aromantic and pansexual.
some individuals may also include a tertiary attraction in their identities.
Not all a-spec individuals use the SAM, most notably, non-SAM aros.
Some individuals prefer more precise terms for differentiation such as "romantic orientation", "attraction types", etc.
Not every individual who experiences different types of attraction necessarily have a distinct romantic orientation, and not every individual who has a romantic orientation necessarily experiences multiple types of attraction.
History:
the idea was first recorded in 1879 by Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, who published several books on non-heterosexual attraction
it's next use was in 1979 by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in 'Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love'
became common in a-spec circles by 2009
The term was origionally developed from aphobes and exclusionists who insisted the a-spec community of forcing everyone to split their orientation into multiple parts.
The term was adopted by a-spec communities in order to talk about the issue.
SAM flag: