Is it normal to question your sexual orientation later in life?

Questioning your sexual orientation later in life is much more common than many people realize, and it's completely normal. Sexuality exists on a spectrum and can be fluid throughout your lifetime. You might find yourself attracted to people you never considered before, or you might finally have the language and social acceptance to acknowledge attractions you've always had but suppressed. This can happen due to various factors: increased self-awareness and acceptance, exposure to diverse communities, the end of a long-term relationship that allows for exploration, or simply the natural evolution of your understanding of yourself. Many people, especially women, report discovering same-sex attractions later in life, sometimes after years of heterosexual Interpersonal relationship and even marriage. This doesn't mean your previous Interpersonal relationship were fake or that you were lying to yourself - you were living authentically with the understanding you had at the time. The process of questioning can feel destabilizing, especially if you're in a committed relationship or have built an finding identity around a particular orientation. It's important to give yourself time and space to explore these feelings without pressure to immediately label yourself or make major life changes. Consider talking to a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, connecting with supportive communities, or reading books by others who've had similar experiences. Remember that you get to define your own sexuality, and it's okay if that definition changes over time.