Asexual/aromantic...coming out

Yeah this is an anonymous blog (E. Hammond is from the name of Evey from V for Vendetta), and so I guess I'm not really coming out, but I still wanted to write about being asexual. I get asked whether I became asexual after being abused; I was abused, but do not believe this is the reason for my asexuality, as one of my parents also seems to be asexual. I've never experienced romantic love, but over the years I've learned to mimic it. I can say the same things, do the same things, but without feeling. I hear others talking about the passion of love, I can read a great number of stories and see a great number of films that depict desire, lust, jealousy, passion, love, devotion, and romance. I can, just like an actress, tell someone with great passion that I love them. However, I myself have never experienced these emotions, and I doubt I ever will.
I've read a great deal about sexuality. I've familiarized myself with many sexual activities involving men, women, and various and sundry combinations and variations thereof, yet none of them make me say "Ooh, I want to try that!" I'd really rather eat cake. I see "adult content" pictures; I understand that most people have some sort of reaction to them, but I myself do not. I see the human shape as a simple animal, not unlike other animals; I can view it without shame, but also without arousal, like most people would see a horse or a bird. It is not disgusting, but it has no special beauty. I understand that others have a reaction, positive or negative, to members of the different sexes, but I don't understand why. I tend to find men slightly more desirable than women, but I can appreciate beauty in either without a sexual response.
I'm not unhappy with nature's decision to make me this way. I view the pursuit of sexual gratification as an enormous waste of time and money, and am glad that I have been spared the lust that seems to consume others. It allows me to work with others without the friction caused by sexuality. I do require companionship from time to time; asexuality does get in the way of that, because I cannot find a partner who understands my relationship needs. Nevertheless, overall, I am happy with my orientation, and would not change it.