The right to seek consensual intimacy is a fundamental human right that must be recognized and protected (United Nations, 1948). This right includes the freedom to engage in both platonic and romantic relationships with others. However, there are instances where this right is challenged, and individuals are coerced into limiting their relationships to satisfy the preferences of others. This practice is particularly prevalent in romantic relationships where partners demand exclusivity, often without any valid reason.
The right to seek consensual intimacy is inalienable, which is why it's wrong to ask someone to agree to have only one friend (Soble, 2008). It is natural for individuals to seek emotional and physical connections with others, and this desire should be respected. Coercing individuals into limiting their connections with others violates their basic human rights and causes unnecessary emotional distress.
I see no reason to change things when we move from the case of platonic emotional intimacy to the case of hot sexy intimacy. The right to seek consensual intimacy extends to all types of relationships, whether they are platonic or romantic (American Psychological Association, 2011). Individuals should have the freedom to explore their sexuality with others, as long as it is done with consent and does not harm anyone.
Furthermore, the right to seek consensual intimacy is essential for the mental and emotional well-being of individuals (Döring & Pöschl, 2020). Human beings are social animals, and we need social connections to thrive. Limiting an individual's connections with others can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression. Denying individuals the right to seek consensual intimacy can also harm their self-esteem and cause unnecessary shame and guilt.
In conclusion, the right to seek consensual intimacy is a fundamental human right that must be protected. Individuals should have the freedom to form emotional and physical connections with others, without coercion or restriction (Rubin, 1984). Denying this right can cause emotional distress, harm mental and emotional well-being, and violate the basic human rights of individuals. It is crucial that we recognize and protect this right, both for the sake of individuals and for society as a whole (Ryan, Deci, & Grolnick, 1995; Weeks, Heaphy, & Donovan, 2001).